Scan barcode
elly29's review against another edition
challenging
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Well, this was a YA novel. The setting was misogynistic, and it was hard reading this after reading "The Underground Girls of Kabul" and knowing the realities and cruelties of such strictly patriarchal societies. Forna used it to make a point and as something for her protagonist to struggle against, but wow. Also, coming from a religious culture that talks about purity in black and white terms and then to read about Deka's obsession with purity was almost triggering -- could be very, very triggering for someone who has struggled with purity and self-worth in the past. (I got frustrated with the common trope of, "religion is either false or twists society to serve those in power" because it lacked nuance. (Looking at you, Jim Butcher, and your Knight Michael Carpenter as a good example of the faithful.) The first third was probably the worst and most unnuanced part. Most of the twists you could spot a mile off, but a few of them did catch me by surprise. Overall, it was fine. The most interesting part was the mythology and creatures. Deka was definitely a wunderkindt Chosen One.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Violence, and Death
Moderate: Child abuse, War, Torture, Religious bigotry, and Gaslighting
Minor: Death of parent
_savannahreads_'s review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-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
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Body horror, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Forced institutionalization, Gaslighting, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Murder, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Religious bigotry, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, and War
More...