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my_current_hyperfixation_hobby'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? No
3.0
Graphic: Torture, Violence, Blood, and War
emilia_thereader's review
- 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? It's complicated
4.75
Graphic: Torture, Violence, and Death of parent
Moderate: Death, Gore, Toxic relationship, Blood, Murder, and War
Minor: Animal death
onefineelephant'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
4.0
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal cruelty and Vomit
ameydireads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
This story is mainly told through Grey and Lia Mara’s point of view. Lia Mara is a new addition to the story and she is the first-born daughter of Karis Luran, but definitely not ruthless like her mother. I am very glad that there was no dreaded love triangle.
I hate how Rhen’s character is completely butchered in this book. It’s like they really needed a hero-turned-villain to add some sensation and what would be more controversial than picking Rhen. It makes no sense, especially because he does his best to be a better person and to care for his kingdom and the people around him. He might have been a little entitled before, but the curse really softened him up. Even Grey could see this! So what happened to the Grey who would lay down his life for Rhen? He might not be bound by an oath anymore, but that doesn’t erase the many seasons during the curse where they only had each other. I don't understand the motivation behind some of the choices these characters make and how so many people could give up on Rhen. He deserves better!
Rhen mentions in the past that people don’t trust him enough to make good decisions. AND THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT GREY DOES! If only he told Rhen the truth as soon as he found out. Grey decides to stay away from Ironrose instead, as if that would solve all problems. Rhen is scarred for life by magic and now there’s this magesmith around who is actually the true heir?! Of course Rhen has to go to lengths to protect his kingdom from another magesmith of whom he knows nothing about.
And the ending… are you serious?!
I‘ve wondered many times if I could have enjoyed this story if the plot took a different direction and I think that was indeed a possibility. What if–hear me out–Lilith indeed escapes and Grey didn’t know the truth, stays at Ironrose and searches for this true heir alongside Rhen. After he finds out it’s him that they’re looking for, Rhen gets the chance to see the good side of magic, they go on a quest to unlock Grey’s true potential and then he takes down Lilith in an epic magical battle. Basically, any plot where Rhen is not vilified is acceptable!
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Torture, Violence, and Blood
cloudbooks's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Body horror, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
jackiepreston's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Death, Torture, Violence, Blood, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
purplehulk713's review
- 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
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Death of parent, and Alcohol
lucia_without_j'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? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Death, Torture, Violence, and Blood
usjdjfnnffm2737's review
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Torture, Violence, and Blood
qrschulte's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Things I liked:
- GREY!!!
- Iisak. More of him please
- Jake‘s redemption.
- The romance actually made sense and had some chemistry and a bit of steam.
Things I didn’t like:
- The Lia Mara narrator made the girls sound waaaay younger than they were supposed to be. She also was a bit melodramatic, either with a laugh in her voice or like a swoon teen, which was a little much for my tastes.
- The torture
- The 180 degree flip of characterizations of Harper and Rhen, which I guess is only slightly explained. Especially after Rhen’s character growth in the last book. And Harper being okay with Rhen’s behavior after giving her brother (warranted) shit in the first book? Makes no sense.
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Gore, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Self harm, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Police brutality, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Miscarriage, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Pregnancy, Abandonment, and Colonisation
Minor: Animal death