Scan barcode
chrisb913's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-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
5.0
Please check trigger warnings.
This book was outstanding. Sabaa Tahir has provided such a captivating and brutal world to explore. This story is a dual pov between Laia (a member of the Scholars) and Elias (a member of the Martials) as they navigate their incredibly different lives. Centuries ago, the Martials conquered the lands and established a dynasty. Today the Scholars are an oppressed people looking to just survive. Though, not all of them are willing to live under the oppression of the Martials. Due to circumstances, Laia joins up with the Resistence to try and overthrow the ruling class. Meanwhile, Elias has spent his entire life training to become one of the elite guards of the Martials all the while despising them and scheming to run away. The story follows these two incredible characters as they navigate the intricacies of this harsh political system, just trying to survive. I found this an incredible start to this saga and cannot recommend it enough.
This book was outstanding. Sabaa Tahir has provided such a captivating and brutal world to explore. This story is a dual pov between Laia (a member of the Scholars) and Elias (a member of the Martials) as they navigate their incredibly different lives. Centuries ago, the Martials conquered the lands and established a dynasty. Today the Scholars are an oppressed people looking to just survive. Though, not all of them are willing to live under the oppression of the Martials. Due to circumstances, Laia joins up with the Resistence to try and overthrow the ruling class. Meanwhile, Elias has spent his entire life training to become one of the elite guards of the Martials all the while despising them and scheming to run away. The story follows these two incredible characters as they navigate the intricacies of this harsh political system, just trying to survive. I found this an incredible start to this saga and cannot recommend it enough.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Racial slurs, Death, Xenophobia, Violence, Murder, Slavery, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Racism
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Sexual assault, and Suicide
mordshunger's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Ooof.
First: cw slavery apologetics incoming I guess. It's clear there is a full redemption ark coming up for Helen. She may change, but she cannot be excused. I will do my due diligence and continue with this series. If I am wrong, I will come back and delete this. But if I am right, she will continue to be an actual romantic interest, which is frankly disgusting at this point. If he ends up with Helen or even entertains the idea, this is a 1. She is an unforgivable heartless and evil bitch. She really only does good for him, and not because it is right. She would have had a hundred slaves die and sleep like a baby. And buhuhuhu she is so sad that anyone would think she is evil. Her dramatic explanation doesn't actually explain "everything" - her actions and words about slaves and slavery were not necessary for her deal. They were the truth.
Otherwise, loosely in order as I thought while reading:
Pretty standard ya fare, it's okay. It made me laugh in places because everyone is obviously hot, everyone has a distinct mysterious smell, moves with grace, has an indescribable eye colour that shifts with their emotions and so on and so on. Strong debut energy on this one, but as a teenager I wouldn't have minded. Main character has "golden" eyes. It's really laid on thick. MC continuosly gets down on herself about being weak or looking bad and I am quite tired of the projected glow up to a confident and desired warrior hero... Oh lord now it's labour vs management in the resistance.
There is a lot of clumsy exposition and more telling than showing. Familiar set-up and predictable backstory and first act.
It is very important the reader is reminded every few pages how wonderfully slim and attractive the women are. Apart from different wild eye and hair colour combinations, I'd say all women all slender goddesses with sensual curves. Unless they are old and scarred. Good grief.
His chapters are more enjoyable. But - Take a shot every time he calls Helen a "girl" in a derogatory way.
It's a good thing Laia is otherworldly hot, otherwise this book would be hard pressed to make some major plot happen. It appears to be the sole reason for any man interacting with her or helping her.
First: cw slavery apologetics incoming I guess.
Otherwise, loosely in order as I thought while reading:
Pretty standard ya fare, it's okay. It made me laugh in places because everyone is obviously hot, everyone has a distinct mysterious smell, moves with grace, has an indescribable eye colour that shifts with their emotions and so on and so on. Strong debut energy on this one, but as a teenager I wouldn't have minded. Main character has "golden" eyes. It's really laid on thick. MC continuosly gets down on herself about being weak or looking bad and I am quite tired of the projected glow up to a confident and desired warrior hero... Oh lord now it's labour vs management in the resistance.
There is a lot of clumsy exposition and more telling than showing. Familiar set-up and predictable backstory and first act.
It is very important the reader is reminded every few pages how wonderfully slim and attractive the women are. Apart from different wild eye and hair colour combinations, I'd say all women all slender goddesses with sensual curves. Unless they are old and scarred. Good grief.
His chapters are more enjoyable. But - Take a shot every time he calls Helen a "girl" in a derogatory way.
It's a good thing Laia is otherworldly hot, otherwise this book would be hard pressed to make some major plot happen. It appears to be the sole reason for any man interacting with her or helping her.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Violence, War, Suicidal thoughts, Racism, Death, Torture, Sexual harassment, Slavery, Colonisation, Blood, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Racial slurs, Physical abuse, and Injury/Injury detail
calilaha's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Racial slurs, and Blood
Moderate: Rape, Sexual violence, Violence, Child abuse, Child death, Toxic friendship, Torture, Suicide, and Physical abuse
More...