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lizgriffinwords's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Loved the bigger glimpse of this world. Ren and Chiara make tons of mistakes with good intentions, and doesn’t that just encapsulate the teen experience for so many of us growing up with impossible perfectionist standards.
Ren kinda reminds me of Steve Harrington from Stranger Things, in that he’s an enormous flirt that becomes tongue-tied with the ONE girl he’s actually interested in. If it were up to me, he and Chiara were fine as just friends, but the hint at romance was okay too.
Chiara suffers from realistic middle child syndrome, floundering to feel useful or wanted. She’s on the younger side of your typical YA protagonists, which explains some of her impulsive behaviors. But she’s sweet and kind and proves you don’t have to be a raging badass wielding a sword, because some of us have always felt like side characters in our own lives, and it’s comforting to read a character like that who still finds courage.
Ren kinda reminds me of Steve Harrington from Stranger Things, in that he’s an enormous flirt that becomes tongue-tied with the ONE girl he’s actually interested in. If it were up to me, he and Chiara were fine as just friends, but the hint at romance was okay too.
Chiara suffers from realistic middle child syndrome, floundering to feel useful or wanted. She’s on the younger side of your typical YA protagonists, which explains some of her impulsive behaviors. But she’s sweet and kind and proves you don’t have to be a raging badass wielding a sword, because some of us have always felt like side characters in our own lives, and it’s comforting to read a character like that who still finds courage.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Kidnapping
Minor: War, Violence, Death, and Death of parent
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