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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
stllyltc's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
5.0
This definitely surprised me, seeing two points of view of characters for the story as it unfolded, different angles aside from book one. The word usage, details, and thought processes following through are well-versed, but seeing the contrast in personalities of both characters, filled with wit, humor, and fierceness, makes you eager to look forward to what awaits their journey. Book One was so good, and this one is even so much better. The slow-burn romance, the plot twists, and the denouement truly tug at the heartstrings. It kept you on your toes with the climax part of the story that seemed to meander hopelessly. The anxiety felt like grasping for slivers of hope. How would they get over the struggle? I absolutely loved that it included lots of laughter this time, as Halendi's newly crowned king uses humor as a coping mechanism or just naturally is one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Grief, Blood, Kidnapping, Torture, Body horror, Death, Murder, Slavery, and Violence
ac_hamilton's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Suicide
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