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nyeran's review against another edition
4.0
“She tried not to feel sorry for herself. The truth did not have to hurt if she didn't want it to.”
Il cane però no.
Che guadagno ti ha portato? Si, va bene hai distrutto emotivamente la poveretta perché sei convinta che ti stia mentendo, quindi le ammazzi il cane
e lei comunque non ti dice niente perché, veramente, non sa niente quindi hai solo fatto la stronza per far vedere che sei cattiva e che puoi fare quello che vuoi.
E allora vaffanculo. Vaffanculo tutto.
Stermina l'umanità, tortura, fai del tuo peggio però il cane no, cazzo.
♠Vabbè, comunque, poco telefonato il fatto che Irnik e Numiak fossero la stessa persona. Entrambi sanno usare il linguaggio dei segni, Irnik è, guarda caso, l'unica guardia che loro vedono nelle celle e anche l'unico che tratta Ila con gentilezza e parla con loro. Yuki sa vita, morte e miracoli di questo labirinto però non sa che Appay ha preso le chiavi da lui per scappare e non sa che lui parla con loro e gli porta cibo e coperte extra. Numiak le dice che sa come ha fatto a scappare e chi le ha dato le chiavi ma non lo ammazza.
♠ Poi sono sempre io che mi chiudo sulle stupidaggini però, questa si chiama Yuki? È un nome giapponese, significa neve ok, però perché vivi in artide? Non viene nemmeno mai detto che abbia tratti orientali e il suo nome stona tantissimo con tutti gli altri, Numiak, Chena, Musiak, Naataluj quindi ha poco senso.
Ha poco senso anche il fatto che fino alla fine non capiamo chi siano questi due e che ruolo abbiano. Il rubavolti è demone ma lei? Perché ha i poteri? Perché è in quel labirinto, perché se è così potente se ne sta lassù isolata da tutti e tutto? Ad un certo punto scopriamo che tiene dei cambia pelle Anua prigionieri con dei collari di ghiaccio e questa cosa la scopriamo durante un combattimento dove Apaay si trova a dovere uccidere un orso che non sa essere un Anua. Quando questo animale si ritrasforma in umana, ormai morta e lasciando due figli che la vedono morire
ad assistere allo scontro ci sono anche degli altri Anua che non si incazzano. Quella è una di loro e questi si godono lo spettacolo. Maaaa.
Il cane però no.
Che guadagno ti ha portato? Si, va bene hai distrutto emotivamente la poveretta perché sei convinta che ti stia mentendo, quindi le ammazzi il cane
e lei comunque non ti dice niente perché, veramente, non sa niente quindi hai solo fatto la stronza per far vedere che sei cattiva e che puoi fare quello che vuoi.
E allora vaffanculo. Vaffanculo tutto.
Stermina l'umanità, tortura, fai del tuo peggio però il cane no, cazzo.
♠Vabbè, comunque, poco telefonato il fatto che Irnik e Numiak fossero la stessa persona. Entrambi sanno usare il linguaggio dei segni, Irnik è, guarda caso, l'unica guardia che loro vedono nelle celle e anche l'unico che tratta Ila con gentilezza e parla con loro. Yuki sa vita, morte e miracoli di questo labirinto però non sa che Appay ha preso le chiavi da lui per scappare e non sa che lui parla con loro e gli porta cibo e coperte extra. Numiak le dice che sa come ha fatto a scappare e chi le ha dato le chiavi ma non lo ammazza.
♠ Poi sono sempre io che mi chiudo sulle stupidaggini però, questa si chiama Yuki? È un nome giapponese, significa neve ok, però perché vivi in artide? Non viene nemmeno mai detto che abbia tratti orientali e il suo nome stona tantissimo con tutti gli altri, Numiak, Chena, Musiak, Naataluj quindi ha poco senso.
Ha poco senso anche il fatto che fino alla fine non capiamo chi siano questi due e che ruolo abbiano. Il rubavolti è demone ma lei? Perché ha i poteri? Perché è in quel labirinto, perché se è così potente se ne sta lassù isolata da tutti e tutto? Ad un certo punto scopriamo che tiene dei cambia pelle Anua prigionieri con dei collari di ghiaccio e questa cosa la scopriamo durante un combattimento dove Apaay si trova a dovere uccidere un orso che non sa essere un Anua. Quando questo animale si ritrasforma in umana, ormai morta e lasciando due figli che la vedono morire
ad assistere allo scontro ci sono anche degli altri Anua che non si incazzano. Quella è una di loro e questi si godono lo spettacolo. Maaaa.
colorcrystals's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Death, and Animal death
Minor: Pregnancy and Abandonment
verypeculiarpages's review against another edition
5.0
OK I am SO excited to talk about this book!! I’ll be completely honest and say that I was a bit skeptical about this after first reading the synopsis, but I could not resist the chance to check it out with such a beautiful cover. I’m SO glad I gave it the benefit of the doubt because I loved it so much!
“The North had taught her the world was always changing. Remain rigid like ice, and you would crack. Allow yourself fluidity, like water, and you could not be broken.”
The world of this book is so fascinating. There’s so much rich detail about the different territories and societies throughout the land, but since much of this book takes place in one area, we don’t get to see much (though I hope this changes in future books, since there’s so many great ideas to expand on). The magical qualities of the Yuki’s labyrinth were constantly evolving and though I still don’t have a completely firm grasp on what Yuki and the Face Stealer’s powers are, it was really fun to read about.
“She was not Ila or Chena or Mama or Papa or Masuk or Eska or Silla. She was Apaay. She was enough.”
The characters in this are AMAZING. AMAZING! I originally rated this four stars because the plot is a tad slow and confusing at times, but after starting to write this review, I realized that the characters are just too good to not bump it up to five. I LOVE APAAY AND WANT TO PROTECT HER. Apaay was such a strong and passionate protagonist and I loved her from the beginning. She only got more interesting as the book went on and it was heartbreaking to read about all the suffering and hardships that she endures throughout this story. Her love for her sister was evident in every choice she made and it only made me love and admire her more. ILA! I ADORED ILA!!!!! She was such a gem and a true friend and I love her to pieces. It was so great to see Ila and Apaay’s friendship grow and they are absolutely perfect. Friendship FTW.
“…Ila shouldered both their weights, and shushed her, and poured love into the hole in her chest, and Apaay did not have to worry anymore, because here was someone who would carry her. How lucky she was, to have friends to pick her up when she had fallen.”
HEY DEMONS, IT’S ME, YA GIRL. This book made me realize how frickin’ obsessed I am with book demons. Like, if there’s a demon in a book… I love that book. I love that demon. Give me all of the demons. The Face Stealer was no different and he was SUCH an interesting character that I am SO. FRICKIN’. EXCITED. to learn more about. I can already tell this bitch has SO many layers (you’re so wrapped up in layers, onion boy *shout out Shrek*) and I can’t wait to delve in deeper. Also, is that ENEMIES TO LOVERS I AM FEEEEEEEEELIN??!?!? Chef’s kiss, honestly. Yuki was an absolute villain and she was evil and I hated her so she did her damn job. UGH, SO GOOD.
ALSO, I mean, THAT PLOT TWIST! I was super shocked and it made me go back and re-read parts because it brings a totally different perspective to the characters and their words and actions. Seriously, I’m so happy to have gotten a copy of this and it makes me so thankful for my blog because otherwise, I probably wouldn’t have ever discovered this gem of a book! I’m super hyped for the rest of this series and can’t wait for the sequel, Night!
“The North had taught her the world was always changing. Remain rigid like ice, and you would crack. Allow yourself fluidity, like water, and you could not be broken.”
The world of this book is so fascinating. There’s so much rich detail about the different territories and societies throughout the land, but since much of this book takes place in one area, we don’t get to see much (though I hope this changes in future books, since there’s so many great ideas to expand on). The magical qualities of the Yuki’s labyrinth were constantly evolving and though I still don’t have a completely firm grasp on what Yuki and the Face Stealer’s powers are, it was really fun to read about.
“She was not Ila or Chena or Mama or Papa or Masuk or Eska or Silla. She was Apaay. She was enough.”
The characters in this are AMAZING. AMAZING! I originally rated this four stars because the plot is a tad slow and confusing at times, but after starting to write this review, I realized that the characters are just too good to not bump it up to five. I LOVE APAAY AND WANT TO PROTECT HER. Apaay was such a strong and passionate protagonist and I loved her from the beginning. She only got more interesting as the book went on and it was heartbreaking to read about all the suffering and hardships that she endures throughout this story. Her love for her sister was evident in every choice she made and it only made me love and admire her more. ILA! I ADORED ILA!!!!! She was such a gem and a true friend and I love her to pieces. It was so great to see Ila and Apaay’s friendship grow and they are absolutely perfect. Friendship FTW.
“…Ila shouldered both their weights, and shushed her, and poured love into the hole in her chest, and Apaay did not have to worry anymore, because here was someone who would carry her. How lucky she was, to have friends to pick her up when she had fallen.”
HEY DEMONS, IT’S ME, YA GIRL. This book made me realize how frickin’ obsessed I am with book demons. Like, if there’s a demon in a book… I love that book. I love that demon. Give me all of the demons. The Face Stealer was no different and he was SUCH an interesting character that I am SO. FRICKIN’. EXCITED. to learn more about. I can already tell this bitch has SO many layers (you’re so wrapped up in layers, onion boy *shout out Shrek*) and I can’t wait to delve in deeper. Also, is that ENEMIES TO LOVERS I AM FEEEEEEEEELIN??!?!? Chef’s kiss, honestly. Yuki was an absolute villain and she was evil and I hated her so she did her damn job. UGH, SO GOOD.
ALSO, I mean, THAT PLOT TWIST! I was super shocked and it made me go back and re-read parts because it brings a totally different perspective to the characters and their words and actions. Seriously, I’m so happy to have gotten a copy of this and it makes me so thankful for my blog because otherwise, I probably wouldn’t have ever discovered this gem of a book! I’m super hyped for the rest of this series and can’t wait for the sequel, Night!
faithtrustpixiedust's review against another edition
I received this eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of this book in any way.
DNF at ~36%
I really didn't want to DNF this but I really just couldn't read much more. It was kind of a drag and I really had to force myself to get through much at all. The first few chapters were promising, and there were definitely some solid set pieces and sequences in this that I did enjoy, but over all, I couldn't connect with it.
The characters were one dimensional. "Yuki" isn't a menacing name but she isn't scary enough as an antagonist to merit any juxtaposition. She feels, if anything, like an extremely obnoxious spoiled brat but not enough to be thematically interesting; only enough to make me want to stop reading. I actually have a character in my current WIP that's fairly similar in role and personality, and Yuki felt like what she would be if I went with the first idea I had for her. Which was kind of a bad idea when I didn't know what to do with her.
Besides her, Apaay, the main character, was okay. She's afraid of being undervalued by her family and community, which is what is happening to her, so she wants to prove herself. But she tries to do that by going off on her own. Her dog comes briefly but then she's alone again. She's teamed up with a great deaf rep friend, but then she's alone again. I thought this might all be going somewhere--that there might be something here about how you need to value yourself first and be willing to rely on others when you need to--but then it just rinsed and repeated and I got tired of waiting.
And then there's the obvious love interest spook-boi, the Face-Stealer. I thought he was cool at first--his concept is awesome--but I'm sick and tired of Rhysands in my dark fantasy and I knew his ~tortured past~ revelation was coming, so I decided to jump ship before I'm put through that again. If anyone has finished this and there isn't any angsty love story between the two, please let me know. I might reconsider my DNF. Maybe.
The plot was extremely slow and boring. Nothing happens for a long time, and when things do happen, I usually can't tell why they're happening, so I end up spending more time confused, trying to figure out what the impetus for the scene is instead of just enjoying myself. I honestly would have read this faster and maybe not DNF'd, but I found myself constantly accidentally skimming, and then having to go back because I'd read an entire page without absorbing anything at all. I literally don't know why Yuki does the things she does, and not in the mysterious way I think was intended. Rather, I'm stuck trying to understand the basic logic of her plan, and left grasping at straws.
I know the setting is in a tundra but there's way too many references to random ice related imagery. It borders into purple prose territory far too often without actually saying anything meaningful. The same goes for the action scenes in general. There was a lot of imagery based metaphors so I literally had no idea what anything was supposed to actually look like or how Apaay was supposed to be feeling. The "labyrinth" didn't come across as labyrinthine to me. Whether things were physically hot or cold, I couldn't tell whatsoever because the writing was conflicting on that. The worldbuilding was pretty unclear; the world itself was slightly oddly explained and had zero presence, and besides that, some random magical gifts were introduced way later than they should have been. There were some completely random and pretty unnecessary exposition dumps in the middle of tense character moments that killed the pacing. Sometimes the third person narration would do little onomatopoeia things that only sometimes work in first person. It really threw me whenever it happened. And usually made what wasn't comical feel like it was supposed to be a joke.
I'm glad this was inspired by Inuit mythology but it honestly felt more like an edgy Katara going on an adventure on the Island of the Blue Dolphins with the amount of canoe making and parka wearing. This isn't bad, it just wasn't what the premise made me think I was getting.
All in all, maybe you'll like it. Most people seem to. Lowkey sad I didn't. If I were to rate this (I prefer not to rate DNFs unless I feel extreme vitriol), I'd go with maybe 3 stars, maybe 2. 2.5-ish.
DNF at ~36%
I really didn't want to DNF this but I really just couldn't read much more. It was kind of a drag and I really had to force myself to get through much at all. The first few chapters were promising, and there were definitely some solid set pieces and sequences in this that I did enjoy, but over all, I couldn't connect with it.
The characters were one dimensional. "Yuki" isn't a menacing name but she isn't scary enough as an antagonist to merit any juxtaposition. She feels, if anything, like an extremely obnoxious spoiled brat but not enough to be thematically interesting; only enough to make me want to stop reading. I actually have a character in my current WIP that's fairly similar in role and personality, and Yuki felt like what she would be if I went with the first idea I had for her. Which was kind of a bad idea when I didn't know what to do with her.
Besides her, Apaay, the main character, was okay. She's afraid of being undervalued by her family and community, which is what is happening to her, so she wants to prove herself. But she tries to do that by going off on her own. Her dog comes briefly but then she's alone again. She's teamed up with a great deaf rep friend, but then she's alone again. I thought this might all be going somewhere--that there might be something here about how you need to value yourself first and be willing to rely on others when you need to--but then it just rinsed and repeated and I got tired of waiting.
And then there's the obvious love interest spook-boi, the Face-Stealer. I thought he was cool at first--his concept is awesome--but I'm sick and tired of Rhysands in my dark fantasy and I knew his ~tortured past~ revelation was coming, so I decided to jump ship before I'm put through that again. If anyone has finished this and there isn't any angsty love story between the two, please let me know. I might reconsider my DNF. Maybe.
The plot was extremely slow and boring. Nothing happens for a long time, and when things do happen, I usually can't tell why they're happening, so I end up spending more time confused, trying to figure out what the impetus for the scene is instead of just enjoying myself. I honestly would have read this faster and maybe not DNF'd, but I found myself constantly accidentally skimming, and then having to go back because I'd read an entire page without absorbing anything at all. I literally don't know why Yuki does the things she does, and not in the mysterious way I think was intended. Rather, I'm stuck trying to understand the basic logic of her plan, and left grasping at straws.
I know the setting is in a tundra but there's way too many references to random ice related imagery. It borders into purple prose territory far too often without actually saying anything meaningful. The same goes for the action scenes in general. There was a lot of imagery based metaphors so I literally had no idea what anything was supposed to actually look like or how Apaay was supposed to be feeling. The "labyrinth" didn't come across as labyrinthine to me. Whether things were physically hot or cold, I couldn't tell whatsoever because the writing was conflicting on that. The worldbuilding was pretty unclear; the world itself was slightly oddly explained and had zero presence, and besides that, some random magical gifts were introduced way later than they should have been. There were some completely random and pretty unnecessary exposition dumps in the middle of tense character moments that killed the pacing. Sometimes the third person narration would do little onomatopoeia things that only sometimes work in first person. It really threw me whenever it happened. And usually made what wasn't comical feel like it was supposed to be a joke.
I'm glad this was inspired by Inuit mythology but it honestly felt more like an edgy Katara going on an adventure on the Island of the Blue Dolphins with the amount of canoe making and parka wearing. This isn't bad, it just wasn't what the premise made me think I was getting.
All in all, maybe you'll like it. Most people seem to. Lowkey sad I didn't. If I were to rate this (I prefer not to rate DNFs unless I feel extreme vitriol), I'd go with maybe 3 stars, maybe 2. 2.5-ish.
aliciareadsit's review against another edition
4.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4 STARS
When the author contacted me about reviewing this book for her, she described it as 'dark fantasy' which i was slightly hesitant to pick up. I love a good fantasy though, so I had her send it to me to give it a try. It did NOT disappoint. Below is such a unique and compelling story!
Below is set in the Arctic and is based on Inuit Mythology-something I knew absolutely nothing about before reading this. The culture is fascinating though, and I am bound to wind up delving deeper into learning more about them. I found that Warwick seemed very knowledgeable in this aspect of the book. It was also a very unique setting, which made it such an intriguing read.
Apaay is our MC and she is bold and often finds herself in unexpected or dangerous situations because of it. Apaay never gives up though, and one of my favorite things about this novel was how truly steadfast and loyal she was to her family. I really enjoyed Apaay's character and following her on this journey of personal growth.
The Face Stealer was a great anti-villain. He is intimidating and dangerous, but there is also a sort of deep emotional connection you feel toward him, and i'm not sure why yet. I feel that we will get to know more about him and his story in the next book.
Yuki was a great villain to the story, and I found that while I liked The Face Stealer, I did not like Yuki. She was also intimidating and dangerous in her own ways, but I felt less of a connection to her on an emotional level. I feel that she is the true villain to this story and may not have any redeeming qualities, but I guess we will see.
The plot felt very unique and well done. I did have slight trouble in the beginning with getting into the story, but I feel like that happens to me with all first books in a new series. The world-building can sometimes feel sluggish. After about 40 pages though, I could not put it down. I love that Warwick infused her characters with these powerful growth moments and points in the novel where they each really shine and show their inner strength in the face of adversity. Like I said before, I also loved the themes of family loyalty throughout the book. It felt so easy to read and to connect with the story and characters. This story though is also quite intense. It has a lot of dark and emotional moments-life and death situations, but even with that, I felt that the story still shined with hope.
Overall, I really liked this one, and recommend it to any fantasy and dark fantasy readers. I look forward to the next book in this series!
*Special thanks to Alexandria Warwick for sending me an advanced print copy of the book in exchange only for my honest thoughts and review*
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IG | Alicia Reads It - Blog | Twitter
4 STARS
When the author contacted me about reviewing this book for her, she described it as 'dark fantasy' which i was slightly hesitant to pick up. I love a good fantasy though, so I had her send it to me to give it a try. It did NOT disappoint. Below is such a unique and compelling story!
Below is set in the Arctic and is based on Inuit Mythology-something I knew absolutely nothing about before reading this. The culture is fascinating though, and I am bound to wind up delving deeper into learning more about them. I found that Warwick seemed very knowledgeable in this aspect of the book. It was also a very unique setting, which made it such an intriguing read.
Apaay is our MC and she is bold and often finds herself in unexpected or dangerous situations because of it. Apaay never gives up though, and one of my favorite things about this novel was how truly steadfast and loyal she was to her family. I really enjoyed Apaay's character and following her on this journey of personal growth.
The Face Stealer was a great anti-villain. He is intimidating and dangerous, but there is also a sort of deep emotional connection you feel toward him, and i'm not sure why yet. I feel that we will get to know more about him and his story in the next book.
Yuki was a great villain to the story, and I found that while I liked The Face Stealer, I did not like Yuki. She was also intimidating and dangerous in her own ways, but I felt less of a connection to her on an emotional level. I feel that she is the true villain to this story and may not have any redeeming qualities, but I guess we will see.
The plot felt very unique and well done. I did have slight trouble in the beginning with getting into the story, but I feel like that happens to me with all first books in a new series. The world-building can sometimes feel sluggish. After about 40 pages though, I could not put it down. I love that Warwick infused her characters with these powerful growth moments and points in the novel where they each really shine and show their inner strength in the face of adversity. Like I said before, I also loved the themes of family loyalty throughout the book. It felt so easy to read and to connect with the story and characters. This story though is also quite intense. It has a lot of dark and emotional moments-life and death situations, but even with that, I felt that the story still shined with hope.
Overall, I really liked this one, and recommend it to any fantasy and dark fantasy readers. I look forward to the next book in this series!
*Special thanks to Alexandria Warwick for sending me an advanced print copy of the book in exchange only for my honest thoughts and review*
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IG | Alicia Reads It - Blog | Twitter
bookishtiff's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't enjoy this book as much as I hoped I would. I really was confused on the whole folk lore aspect. I feel like the plot didn't flow as nicely as it should have and I didn't really like the characters or understand their plans.
thebookishmel's review against another edition
4.0
Alright, my opinion of this book definitely flip flopped from beginning to end, but I really did enjoy the entire atmosphere of it. There was so much growth from the characters and author's writing style!! BUT THOSE LAST 20 PAGES REALLY GOT ME ALL SORTS OF SHEEEEEEEEESH.
full review up on my blog!!
https://thebookishmel.wordpress.com/review-below-by-alexandria-warwick
full review up on my blog!!
https://thebookishmel.wordpress.com/review-below-by-alexandria-warwick
alexperc_92's review against another edition
4.0
I received an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. Review, blog tour and giveaway can be found on *Milky Way of Books*
A book inspired by the Innuit mythology? Yes, this is something you don't see every day and it's also the reason that made this particular story very enjoyable. I loved the setting, the struggles, and the trials Apaay had to face in order to find the demon who stole her sister's face and rescue her sister.
It is a slow read too but it picks up quickly and you don't feel slowed down. You are going to enjoy this, I'm sure.
A book inspired by the Innuit mythology? Yes, this is something you don't see every day and it's also the reason that made this particular story very enjoyable. I loved the setting, the struggles, and the trials Apaay had to face in order to find the demon who stole her sister's face and rescue her sister.
It is a slow read too but it picks up quickly and you don't feel slowed down. You are going to enjoy this, I'm sure.
storiedadventures's review against another edition
4.0
Full review on my blog, Storied Adventures
*Thank you so much to the author for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!*
*Put this under retellings even though its technically mythology*
First of all, this book made me cry and I NEVER cry from books.
Second, I really enjoyed this book! Apaay faced sever weather, fighting wild animals, surviving nightmare's come to life, surviving being a prisoner, and losing her family. It was very intense at some parts! I wanted some more information on what Yuki and The Face Stealer are, but I guess that saves some mystery for book 2! I can't wait for book 2!
*Thank you so much to the author for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!*
*Put this under retellings even though its technically mythology*
First of all, this book made me cry and I NEVER cry from books.
Second, I really enjoyed this book! Apaay faced sever weather, fighting wild animals, surviving nightmare's come to life, surviving being a prisoner, and losing her family. It was very intense at some parts! I wanted some more information on what Yuki and The Face Stealer are, but I guess that saves some mystery for book 2! I can't wait for book 2!
lauren716's review against another edition
5.0
https://laurenbodiford123.wordpress.com/2020/02/07/below-earc-review/