Reviews

In a world where everything is accepted at face value and even the simplest of things are strictly regulated, all it takes is the slightest seed of curiosity to disrupt the careful balance of their society.

The writing was a little tough to get into at first, it’s very simple and short despite being dialogue and conversation heavy. But the story itself is arresting (sometimes quite literally), and the mystery of the world is well woven through the setting and characters. The foreshadowing is heavy to the point the plot is somewhat predictable, but it’s still enjoyable to see it unfold.

Sid is hands down my favorite character. Sid is the quintessential love interest, complete with witty banter and a devil-may-care attitude. She doesn’t hide her plans for the future or her flaws, and the subtle openness without triggering the many thinly veiled alarm bells of some other love interests easily catapults her to memorability. It is worth noting that there is a lot of manipulation and selfishness within just about every relationship of the story, and despite Sid’s levity this is also a pretty heavy read that features childhood trauma and manipulation.

The big thing that drags this book down from five stars is that the ending felt highly unsatisfying.

I didn’t need a happily ever after, but after so long languishing in parties and the slow trickle of discovery, it seemed like the author rushed her way through to setting up book two.

This is a thought-provoking book that would be a great book club read. It highlights what happens when people neglect asking questions, the importance of a fresh outsider’s perspective, and the importance of holding on to history.

Content Warnings

chaptercharms's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Thank you Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

It took me FAR too long to pick this book up and when I finally did I read it in just a few days. It is an amazing fantasy story with a beautiful f/f love story at it's root that I loved so much.

I've never read The Winner's Trilogy and was a little worried that I would find it difficult to understand the world without having read it, but the world building was brilliant and I had no problems following the story and being immersed in the world. I definitely think I need to read The Winner's Trilogy now and learn even more about it!

Nirrim is a great protagonist, she's not had the best life but she is incredibly selfless and would do anything to help others, even to the point of sacrificing her own happiness and needs. I loved getting to see her grow throughout the story and allow herself to have the things that she wants.

The relationship was beautiful to see unfold throughout the story. I loved their flirting and jokes, their trust in one another and the way they helped each other out. They had a fantastic dynamic right from their first meeting and this was kept up throughout the whole book.

The cliffhanger at the end of the book was incredibly frustrating because I need to read the next book NOW.

lais's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging 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? It's complicated

3.75

Content Warnings

flowtjo's review against another edition

Go to review page

Writing style was meh

hannahhbic's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

CW emotional and physical abuse

I support women's rights, but I also support women's WRONGS. This book is deliciously seductive. The world feels extremely real and sucked me in immediately. Sid is one of my favorite literary rakes.

Note: you don't have to read the first trilogy in order to enjoy this duology.

joannchristine's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

just_kidding_cosplay's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

iorangi's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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? Yes

3.75

More...