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bookishperseus'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: Genocide, Gore, Child abuse, Colonisation, Hate crime, Slavery, Child death, Confinement, Kidnapping, Murder, Xenophobia, Toxic friendship, Sexual harassment, Fire/Fire injury, Torture, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Rape, Violence, Sexual violence, Physical abuse, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, War, Self harm, Cultural appropriation, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Blood, Body horror, Bullying, Classism, Cursing, and Death
Minor: Animal cruelty and Animal death
micaelamariem'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: Blood, Child abuse, Child death, Classism, Death, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Murder, War, Cursing, Death of parent, Gore, Genocide, Grief, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Torture, Violence, and Vomit
feral_sapphic's review against another edition
Moderate: Cursing
internalnonsense's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
.25 off for a character who would have benefited from having a POV, because, as is, he's flat, more there for conflict than character. Also, a section in the middle of the book, while having some significantly cool scenes, felt far too disconnected from the rest, almost filler-like.
Graphic: Child death, Death of parent, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, and Genocide
Moderate: Sexism, Sexual violence, and Sexual content
Minor: Alcohol, Cursing, and Fatphobia
paper_queen's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
All of the characters were SO WELL DONE. I was sympathizing with every single one of them, and they each had such unique backstories and upbringings. It was fascinating seeing them all together, all the different personalities quarreling, working together, having fun. Zelie was a WONDERFUL main character. I loved her spunky, impulsive face she put up, and she has some amazing lines of dialogue. Tzain is a precious little thing, and HIM AND AMARI ARE SO ADORABLE I'M SQUEALING. Inan...well, I have some mixed feelings about him, so...not quite sure what to make of him yet.
The setting was clearly well thought out, which I REALLY appreciated. I loved the lush tribal culture. You could tell that so much time and effort had been put into making this a truly memorable setting. The magic, as well, was really nicely done. Beautifully written and epic to see, it was one of my favorite parts of the entire book.
I also really loved the constantly changing perspectives. One moment, I'm rooting for Zelie, for her to step into her place as the chosen one, and save her people by bringing back magic. But then the very next chapter, I see things from Inan's perspective and my heart just ACHES for him.
THE CLIMAX WAS TERRIFYING. But also amazing and satisfying and WHAT THE HECK IS HAPPENING and makes me desperately need the second book.
I would recommend this book to evvverybody who loves fantasy. You won't want to miss this one. I will say, there were a few things content-wise that I could've done without (some sexual scenes, some language), which bumps down half a star from me. It didn't detract from the story, but I would've preferred it hadn't been in there.
Overall, this was a fabulous book, a really, really great fantasy book, probably one of the best I've read in a while, and I think you should definitely give it a try!
Moderate: Cursing and Sexual content
batwinggoth'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
4.5
Graphic: Body horror, Blood, Child death, Death, Death of parent, Genocide, Kidnapping, Murder, Medical trauma, Forced institutionalization, Domestic abuse, and Child abuse
Moderate: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Gore, Hate crime, Infidelity, Kidnapping, Medical trauma, Racial slurs, Self harm, Slavery, Stalking, Torture, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Cursing, Confinement, and Police brutality