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imalionheart's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was such a epic and crazy introduction to a fantasy world filled with blood magic, warriors and a fight for the throne. I loved the FMC and her struggle with identity, what she believed and her addiction.
autreads's review against another edition
5.0
Very good book. Anoor and Sylah were great characters (with Sylah's characterization being a touch stronger, probably because we start the book with her). I also was very intrigued by Hassa and her story, but I feel like we didn't really see enough of her in this book - maybe more in the sequel?
The world building was interesting and well-done. I saw the first big twist related to the world building coming (to be clear, I'm pretty sure El-Arifi wants readers to); another big one I saw coming too boo (mainly because it is a bit of a trope in stories such as these) the last one I did not. I thought the approach to blood magic presented in this book very cool and unique, and not super self-harm, necromancy at all.
I thought Jond's character was a bit of a damp squib and his introduction didn't seem natural at all.
Overall i very much like the progression and pacing of the story. I agree with some of the commentators that the training and events of the Aktibar aren't really the central focus of this book; they are crucial to the plot and drive it forward, but the interesting stuff happens around them.
The world building was interesting and well-done. I saw the first big twist related to the world building coming (to be clear, I'm pretty sure El-Arifi wants readers to); another big one I saw coming too boo (mainly because it is a bit of a trope in stories such as these) the last one I did not. I thought the approach to blood magic presented in this book very cool and unique, and not super self-harm, necromancy at all.
I thought Jond's character was a bit of a damp squib and his introduction didn't seem natural at all.
Overall i very much like the progression and pacing of the story. I agree with some of the commentators that the training and events of the Aktibar aren't really the central focus of this book; they are crucial to the plot and drive it forward, but the interesting stuff happens around them.
blazingice's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- 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
perusinghannah's review against another edition
I have zero interest in wading through fatphobia and a borderline incestuous relationship on the off chance the plot might get interesting at some point. Just, no.
sydzans's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-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? It's complicated
3.75
theylovetye's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
medium-paced
- 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
arrr's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Horrific but worth it.
sarah_thorns's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
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? It's complicated
3.75
emmadilemma3's review against another edition
The premise was really interesting and I thought the world and characters had a lot of potential, but something was just always missing for me. I had a hard time staying engaged and kept putting it down and coming back to it, but could never stay interested.