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sevencrane's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I was initially a little underwhelmed with the prose but I think that's because I've been reading a lot of intimidatingly-written short stories. Everything else rules. I think part of it leaned into the tropes of things People Want To See (brooding emo with mysterious past, plucky heroine who's Not Like Other Girls, the evil twins) but it was all written very well.
It's interesting comparing this with other fantasy I've read recently (earthsea, black company) - there's definitely the trope of "evil to be vanquished that solves things" here but the plot is twisty enough that it still feels creative which is good. I kinda wish I'd seen more diplomacy in addition to fighting but I also get the need to show off the elemental magic system.
It's interesting comparing this with other fantasy I've read recently (earthsea, black company) - there's definitely the trope of "evil to be vanquished that solves things" here but the plot is twisty enough that it still feels creative which is good. I kinda wish I'd seen more diplomacy in addition to fighting but I also get the need to show off the elemental magic system.
raptorred's review against another edition
3.0
The world building was so unique! I loved the descriptions of the city and its people, I truly did feel immersed into this magical world. The plot itself was always moving and didn't feel stagnant. My only downside was that I couldn't connect with any of the characters. They all carried with them the initial tropes of fantasy characters, of Overall, pretty good book, but I feel like it was overhyped which made me go in with much higher expectations.
Spoiler
the one who has a tortured dark mysterious past, the other has the possibility of magical powers/comedic relief, and the last mc who is too noble for their own good.calebmatthews's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this one and will continue on. This is my kinda world building and I really like the characters.
I’d rather die on an adventure than live standing still.
Some people steal to stay alive and some people steal to feel alive.
It’s easy to be loved. I want to be respected.
I’d rather die on an adventure than live standing still.
Some people steal to stay alive and some people steal to feel alive.
It’s easy to be loved. I want to be respected.
cpjeanz's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
macarooney42's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
vlookup's review against another edition
2.0
Ughhhhh. I wanted to like this book so bad. But wth, I am no longer surprised why it took me more than a year to finish this. Some parts dragged on, some rushed. Predictable. Do yourself a favor and go read something else.
jinxed_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
gailcarroll's review against another edition
A little too graphic and gorey on the blood side for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Gore
cole3's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this book & the series overall. Personally, it focused on areas of fantasy that I haven’t typically read. I thought the world building was great and Kell was a great central character