Reviews

Goldene Flammen by Leigh Bardugo

Only show reviews with written explanations

spinebreaker_101's review against another edition

3.0

This is one of those rare instances where the tv show adaptation is better than the book.

Throughout reading this, I’ve been making comparisons to the show but my rating probably would’ve been the same even if I had read the book first. In saying that, I have much more appreciation for how well the tv show adaptation has been put together and how well the stories between shadow and bone and six of crows were meshed together.

The lack of chemistry between Alina and the Darkling kinda bothered me a bit but we move..

Not a match for six of crows or the show adaptation but an okay short read, though it’s not a series I would re-read - it just didn’t have that kind of hold on me.

amseabro's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

colleenclementine's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

4.5!?!?

in the spirit of full transparency, i’m dying to read six of crows and i know you have to read this series first so i committed but i wasn’t looking forward to it and went in with very low expectations bc most of the reviews for this say its average. which begs the question - are y’all okay!? i thought this was incredible!!!

the world building was fantastic but also so easily digestible. i’m obsessed with this universe already and can’t wait to spend so much time here. and the characters!? i love. so many ulterior motives and flips and switches and i’ve loved and hated all of them. i truly read this in a few hours bc I was desperate to get resolution. and with each twist i got more and more invested. my anxiety was borderline overdramatic for the last 30 mins. i can't wait to continue w/ this series and this world

the rest below!

- alina is classic mid 2000s dystopian lead but i grew up on that shit so i love her and her "plainness" anyway!
- also, alina girl I’m just as dumb as you are because i too loved the darkling. still do a little? maybe I think I can change him
- i loved and hated both genya and mall but i think i love them!! confused by genya in the last few chapter and whatever side she's on but i think thats why i loved this book so much - i turned my brain off and didn't see any of the twists coming.
- why did the stag make me emotional. love him. rip.
- dare i say i want a darkling redemption arc? am i rooting for him an alina? i dont know how to feel but i'm so happy that i'm 0% spoiled and have no idea how this will go

i think i need to watch the show once i finish the grishaverse???

katy_ryn's review against another edition

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3.0

Really enjoyed the fantasy world-building, a fun fast read

bookdust's review against another edition

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4.0

I really enjoyed the entire concept of the book. The Grishas, the Fold, and even the Russian inspiration was a nice breath of fresh air in the craze of the GoT high fantasy (at least for me). High Fantasy seems to be born from the same tight mold as of late. From a stylistic point of view, I thought the writing was sharp and enticing. I especially LOVED the Before and After portions at the beginning and the end of the novel, as well as the small seemingly insignificant scar on Alina's hand that had a beautiful story behind it -- just many little things placed neatly in the story that I really enjoyed. Though some of the characters I didn't connect with how I had hoped I would, I enjoyed the others very much. I'm happy I bought the sequel along with the first.