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anna_wa's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Sexual content, Murder, Gun violence, Violence, Bullying, Injury/Injury detail, and Blood
Moderate: Suicide and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Rape
Bullying as a sexual kink. That is, one of the characters enjoys - as a sexual kink - being bullied/told they won't be able to go anywhere and it doesn't matter what they want. Both people consent to this, and they have a safe word, but these scenes might be hard for some people.jencolumb0's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Anyway, this is not a book you can step into without reading the first two so, um, don’t. Know that it is bloodier than the first two but delivers a satisfying resolution across the board . . . which makes it worth reading even if it’s not as easy to gobble up as the first two. I’m looking forward to reading what Marske takes on next.
Graphic: Classism, Sexual content, Death, Murder, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Suicide, Bullying, and Pregnancy
Minor: Death of parent, Gun violence, and Police brutality
sapphic_in_the_stacks's review
- 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 book manages to ride the line between historical fiction, fantasy, and romance, incorporating elements of each genre without feeling like it belongs more to one than the others. The historical context is interesting but not overpowering. The magic system is well developed and fascinating to learn, though the rules governing it continue to be discovered by the characters (and the audience) in a way that feels organic and makes sense in the context of the world. The romance plot in this book might be my favorite in the series. It manages to tackle the tricky but alluring subject of power imbalance in a way that keeps the dynamic both fun and unquestionably consensual. The intimacy is driven by character choices and alongside character development.
I really couldn't say enough good things about this book. It made me feel all the emotions, it caught my attention in the beginning and didn't let go until the end. I was genuinely loathe to stop reading and leave the world of this book. I can only say that I hope Marske continues to write more in this world, so I can come back again soon!
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Suicide, Grief, and Child death
Minor: Pregnancy and Gun violence
madscientistcat's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Murder, Gun violence, and Death
Moderate: Suicide and Grief
Minor: Rape
abitbetterbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Take this with a grain of salt due to recency bias as I don’t think anything could actually ever top A Marvellous Light for me BUT I did love how perfect a conclusion this story was, especially with the way it brought together all three story lines. The small call backs and the way this story flowed out perfectly from the paths already carved by the previous two made it a completely masterful novel.
A Restless Truth was a great book, but I missed Robin and Edwin. Having the entire gang together and watching this ragtag queer crew (Adelaide Morrissey is an asexual icon IMO) band together made this story electric in a way I missed in ART.
I really think Jack and Alan were the absolute perfect combo to complete the Last Binding trilogy. The chemistry was off the charts incredible, and I loved how they were such perfect foils for each other, highlighting both of their strengths, weaknesses, and growth. And in that growth, realize how much they truly complement each other and need the other to balance them, and match them.
Alan’s life is defined by what he would sacrifice and give to take care of his family; Jack’s is defined by the sister he couldn’t save. Alan has spent so long caring for others he can’t imagine letting go and being cared for; Jack has been selfish and has had everything he wanted handed to him, yet he wants nothing more than to be able to protect those few he actually does care about. While not the most important element of the story compared to the heart-racing plot, this thematic undercurrent supports the heart of the novel.
There are SO many good twists, turns, reveals, and secrets in this story I feel the need to reread it again immediately. The intense “Oh shit!” moments I thought would happen at the end of the book started happening at 40% in and my mind was blown at where the story could possibly go from there. Despite this, I never felt lost or like I had no idea what was going on since the groundwork has been impeccably laid. I want to spend 15 minutes in Freya Marske’s mind just to bask in all these incredible ideas.
Last but not least, Alan and Jack’a sexual escapades are among the best I’ve ever read. I have adored Marske’s sex scenes since day 1 because I find them so deeply informative to the characters and they tell us so much about the relationship dynamics, and APU exemplifies this in the extreme, while simultaneously being the absolute hottest filth you have ever read. I was listening in the car during the study scene (IYKYK) and I think my mouth was hanging open for the whole thing in delighted shock.
I’m afraid I won’t ever read another book quite like A Power Unbound, a title so chillingly perfect for this story I’m kind of in awe I didn’t see how good it was until after I finished it. But if Marske keeps publishing books, I really hope I do.
Graphic: Blood, Physical abuse, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Gore, Gun violence, Homophobia, Violence, Kidnapping, Death, Cursing, Sexism, and Sexual content
Moderate: Classism, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, and Vomit
bibliomania_express's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I enjoyed the way this book even more deeply explores the magic system, while also delving into issues of class. There were some surprising moments, and I loved seeing the whole group work together and use their skills to challenge the bad guys.
Where I felt this book lacked a bit is in the romance. But that might be because enemies-to-lovers is not my favourite, and this book kicks that up a notch. It took a bit for the book to work in actual feelings.
But the ending of this book! Oh the drama, surprises, and feels. There were great moments with everyone. I honestly can't talk about my favourite parts without spoilers.
Moderate: Murder and Violence
sarahna's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Graphic: Murder, Classism, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Sexual content, Violence, and Grief
ofbooksandechos's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Graphic: Sexual content and Murder
Moderate: Death, Violence, and Classism
Minor: Ableism
ramakn22's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Suicide, Murder, Misogyny, and Classism
Moderate: Child death, Physical abuse, Death of parent, Death, Sexual assault, Homophobia, Rape, and Pregnancy
sashahc's review
- 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
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Murder