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gia279's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
Moderate: Violence and Blood
Minor: Self harm, Sexual assault, Cannibalism, Suicide attempt, and Sexual harassment
louise_o's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Self harm, Medical content, and Death of parent
Moderate: Child abuse, Drug abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Vomit, Medical content, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Suicide and Suicide attempt
dariusmortee's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This is why I said I did find the characters to be loveable.
Kiva herself wasn’t the worst main character but I think she could’ve been better. Jaren annoyed me.
I did enjoy reading this book! Although it really does fall into some tropes it is an orginal story. A story with a very dark undertone, for which I am a sucker. I am curious to how this story proceeds and will be buying the second one, but I am however also scared for the clichés it could possibly walk into.
Overall: good story, loved the side characters but it has to watch out not to fall into the clichés.
Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Murder
motherofheleus's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Moderate: Torture, Violence, and Grief
Minor: Addiction, Confinement, Death, Drug abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual violence, Medical content, Suicide attempt, and Fire/Fire injury
larainsidebooks's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
4.0
There is so much in here than just being in a prison for 10 years. There are mysteries to be solved, the past that haunts you, a hope of being rescued, a rebel movement rising (both inside and outside of prison) and Kiva is just in the middle of all of it. And then Jaren shows up. He is kind, considerate, protective and everything else you could imagine about a potential
I loved Naari and Kiva as characters. Kiva is so layered and I love the way she thinks. As the prison healer, she is responsible for the lives of new inmates, as well as for everyone else who gets hurt or ill. The stomach virus isn't exactly helping, and it's no surprise that the problems she faces just keep piling up. Especially with the arrival of the Rebel Queen, who Kiva must keep alive (for various reasons).
Like this all isn't enough, Kiva volunteers to take her place to fight for their lives in the Trial by Ordeal, which means if Kiva wins, they are both free. However, if Kiva fails, the Queen dies.
The whole plot about the Trials was less interesting to me, as I was sure that Kiva could make it, but I was more intrigued about the mysterious sickness that was spreading through the prison.
Kiva's backstory was so wonderfully explained, through flashbacks and her tender conversations with Jaren. I loved how the author didn't shy away from discussing heavy topics like addictions, grief and self-harm. All of that really added to the story in the best way possible.
MY SPOILER THOUGHTS BELOW
AZGWAGFZFHAFH THE REBEL QUEEN IS KIVA'S MOTHER AFAZVBAFVH
this explains why she wanted to hear the story about Kiva's father again
I also can't imagine how hard it must've been for Kiva to try to keep her alive, not just because Cresta threathened her, but because she was her mother!!!
I have to say, Jaren's identity was constantly in the back of my mind, but even when I was almost sure that he was the prince, when he saved Kiva during the Trial by Water, I suspected that he was just some "anomaly", as he said that there could be people not of the royal bloodline who had the powers!
Also, the fact that Jaren (can't and won't stop calling him that) goes by his middle name in the prison and that only friends and family call him that makes me think of Poppy and Hawke (From Blood and Ash)!
As for Kiva's powers, since she was the healer and the moment they were discussing the two bloodlines with different powers, something in the back of my mind stirred and whispered: "Could this mean something for Kiva??" Of course I forgot about that so I was still shocked when her true origin was revealed. Even if I figured that she must have healing magic, I would've considered her not of royal blood, so that made the final reveal even more shocking!
I knew going into this that I can expect plot twists and I imagined something with an identity switch, but even knowing that, this book really shocked me!
Graphic: Child death, Confinement, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Bullying, Drug abuse, Self harm, Torture, Blood, and Death of parent
Minor: Addiction, Rape, Sexual violence, Vomit, Grief, and Suicide attempt