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mjscooke's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I received an advanced digital reading copy of this novel from Titan Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Roz and Damien are on opposite sides of a budding rebellion and in different social tiers of a city that favours disciples blessed with abilities from their saints. They have been avoiding each other, and their mutual past, but when they find themselves with the common goal of solving a string of murders in their city, they find themselves in close proximity forced to face their past and present. A dark and intriguing mix of fantasy & murder mystery with a sprinkling of past love turned enemies to lovers romance, this novel had me completely gripped. I loved the undertones exploring both privilege and the role of religion in society, as well as the setting and world building. I stayed up late to finish the book, unwilling to put it down, then awoke wishing there was already more story to ready. I can't wait for the next book.
Roz and Damien are on opposite sides of a budding rebellion and in different social tiers of a city that favours disciples blessed with abilities from their saints. They have been avoiding each other, and their mutual past, but when they find themselves with the common goal of solving a string of murders in their city, they find themselves in close proximity forced to face their past and present. A dark and intriguing mix of fantasy & murder mystery with a sprinkling of past love turned enemies to lovers romance, this novel had me completely gripped. I loved the undertones exploring both privilege and the role of religion in society, as well as the setting and world building. I stayed up late to finish the book, unwilling to put it down, then awoke wishing there was already more story to ready. I can't wait for the next book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent and Grief
Minor: Classism, Fire/Fire injury, Physical abuse, Violence, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, and War
catsandbookstacks's review against another edition
3.5
YA murder mystery fantasy set in an Italian inspired world controlled by guilds. The people are separated into two groups: disciples, those that have been favoured by the saints and have powers, and the unfavoured. Major themes include politics, classism, poverty, rebellion.
Damian is the standout character for me. He is living with PTSD, guilt and grief but is working towards being a better person, even with the hand he was dealt. Roz is very singular focused and filled with rage. I found her to be hard to read sometimes and somewhat flat. MCs are late teens and also quite horny so likely more of an upper YA read. One fade to black scene, but brief descriptions prior to the fade.
The first half read slow for me, I believe due to the more passive narrative voice. It did pick up 50% in and I overall enjoyed it enough to want to read book two. This one wraps up most major plots but leaves some questions open for the sequel.
Thank you Netgalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Damian is the standout character for me. He is living with PTSD, guilt and grief but is working towards being a better person, even with the hand he was dealt. Roz is very singular focused and filled with rage. I found her to be hard to read sometimes and somewhat flat. MCs are late teens and also quite horny so likely more of an upper YA read. One fade to black scene, but brief descriptions prior to the fade.
The first half read slow for me, I believe due to the more passive narrative voice. It did pick up 50% in and I overall enjoyed it enough to want to read book two. This one wraps up most major plots but leaves some questions open for the sequel.
Thank you Netgalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Death, Classism, War, Death of parent, Grief, and Violence
Minor: Child death
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