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jl23's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
About halfway through the book is where things really begin to pick up. There are some LGBTQ+ themes. It is a slow burn romantasy with strong plot lines. There are many lovable characters and it very much has found family vibes. I really enjoyed the character development.
If you are looking for something that is smut heavy this isn’t it. If you like strong stories with some spice this might fit the bill. This book is more timid in the spice department book two has more but still pretty tame. So if you aren’t comfortably with any now you know.
I feel like overall the cast is relatively diverse. There are themes of discrimination amongst races of fae, elf, halfling, and mortals.
The main character very much gives me Aelin from “Throne of Glass” vibes. She is strong but jaded and has certain level of self loathing that plays heavily into her character arc.
*spoilers below related to LGTBQ+ themes*
The main character is bi-sexual however, the end-game relationship is female-male. If reading about female-female love interest isn’t your thing (which is the case for me typically) I would still say give this a try. In book 1 there is mainly just mentions of her past relationship and there isn’t much detail. Book two goes into that story line a little more but I found it was relative and very well written. There was one scene that wasn’t for me personally but I just skimmed a couple pages. I’m happy there is diversity in these books and I know that some may not be as open to certain themes or may feel uncomfortable or maybe it just isn’t for you and that’s ok. I just wanted to put it out there for those who may not be interested in these themes or may be new to them.
Graphic: Murder, Self harm, Violence, Racism, Colonisation, Classism, Blood, Alcoholism, Addiction, Grief, Forced institutionalization, Emotional abuse, and Death
Moderate: Abandonment
crinkledmochi's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Grief, Suicide attempt, Gore, Blood, Violence, Suicidal thoughts, Alcoholism, Self harm, Panic attacks/disorders, Colonisation, Death, Drug use, Hate crime, Injury/Injury detail, Xenophobia, Trafficking, Torture, Genocide, Addiction, Vomit, War, and Sexual content
datgirllani'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? No
5.0
The best fantasy book I’ve ever read. And I don’t even like fantasy. I can’t even pick what my favorite part of the book is. The writing? The characters? The plot? The themes/tropes? I picked this book up and finished in one sitting, that’s how invested I was in it. The main character is so badass that you get jealous. She knows how to put people in their place and isn’t afraid to do it. She does what needs to be done and doesn’t take shit from anybody. She’s a critical thinker, quick witted, ruthless yet merciful, unyielding, I could go on and on about how an amazing character she is. I love this author’s way of writing, some books feel as if they came straight from Wattpad but the flow of the writing keeps you roped in, reading seamlessly. For this being her first book she did amazing. If you love a true enemies to lovers then look no further. I’m talking about both wanting the other dead and willing to do anything to do it. Add in the slow burn of their romance and it’s chefs kiss. Bonus point for the plot twist. If you like fantasy, you will love this book. READ IT!
Graphic: Alcohol, Murder, Colonisation, Grief, Alcoholism, and Sexual content
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Vomit, Blood, and Death
Minor: Cursing, Kidnapping, and Torture
_alyssar_'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.25
Graphic: Alcoholism, Bullying, Physical abuse, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, Self harm, Classism, Grief, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Child abuse, and Violence
Minor: Drug use, Suicide attempt, Trafficking, Gore, Torture, Domestic abuse, Forced institutionalization, Vomit, Body horror, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual content, Death of parent, and Slavery
bergha1998'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
3.75
Fantasy, Enemies to Lovers, Character Development, 2 🔥
“And still he found beauty in the darkness of it, in my light and my shadows.”
Graphic: Alcoholism, Blood, Genocide, Kidnapping, Physical abuse, Child abuse, Alcohol, Classism, Grief, Racism, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Colonisation, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Suicidal thoughts, Misogyny, Addiction, Bullying, Injury/Injury detail, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual content and Sexual assault
hazelgirl21'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
3.75
Graphic: Alcoholism, Violence, and Grief
Moderate: Sexual content
trippyotter's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Everyone has an agenda and will do just about anything to achieve their goals, including our heroine.
Though many of their goals align, will they be ready for the truth of their actions and how they impact one another?
And I have to say, like many others, I'm not sure about the love interest. I kinda want it to be someone else, so we'll see how it all comes together in the end.
Graphic: Grief, Torture, Alcoholism, Gaslighting, Medical content, Sexism, Alcohol, Kidnapping, Body horror, Bullying, Violence, Medical trauma, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, and Death
3xhhheather's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Five stars though for making the MC an actual adult going through all this ✨
Graphic: Alcoholism, Violence, Addiction, Grief, Murder, Physical abuse, and Self harm
lcesario's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Graphic: Murder, Grief, Death, Violence, Alcoholism, and Self harm
Moderate: Trafficking and War
moodreadererin's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Things I liked :
-enemies to lovers execution was fantastic
- one bed trope
-bipoc representation
- exploration of loss , addiction, recovery in face of violence .
-found family
Things I didn't like :
- the pacing was slower than I liked . I didn't like it until the end /last part of the book.
With that said , I still recommend this book. I am looking forward to the sequel .
Graphic: Addiction, Sexual content, Alcoholism, Alcohol, Violence, Murder, Grief, Suicidal thoughts, Slavery, Vomit, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Sexual harassment and Stalking
Minor: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and War