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maggiemercutio's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Slavery and Trafficking
Moderate: Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexual assault, and Classism
Minor: Rape
glutenfreemaggie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Rape, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicide, Violence, Trafficking, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, and Classism
vrryan'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: Emotional abuse, Sexism, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Rape and Sexual assault
gilroi'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: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Slavery, Suicide, Trafficking, and Classism
Moderate: Alcoholism, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Minor: Abortion
jackie_recommends'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? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicide, Grief, and Abortion
amandasbookreview's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
5.0
“Either we choose to stay alive, or we give up. And if it’s living we choose, then we do whatever it takes.”
But first. Trigger Warnings: slavery, abuse, sexual assault, rape, child loss, miscarriage, suicide
This is NOT an easy book to read and it is not meant for everyone. Years ago, I went to the natural history museum that had a Pompeii exhibit on display. They displayed the casts of the victims who were killed in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. They also showed some fresco paintings from the Lupanar. So it was fascinating to read about this history that took place almost 2,000 years ago. The author does a fantastic job at bringing these fictional characters to life and making them feel real. The characters all come from different backgrounds and have been forced into horrors that many cannot even imagine. They all have different reactions to these horrors. Some give up, some fight, some push their emotions away… but all their feelings are valid, no matter how different. It shows that there are many ways to react to trauma.
I cannot wait to see what is in store for Amara in the next book. Her world is changing and will no doubt find a way to fight her way to a freedwoman with independence. She has already met some historical figures such as Pliny the Elder. Another interesting thing is that the fatal eruption is only 5 years away. So there is still so much historical content to be explored. In a time where women are considered to be chattel, it is inspiring to watch them come up with their own ways to survive and support each other. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
nialiversuch's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Xenophobia, Trafficking, Grief, Murder, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, and Classism
Moderate: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Infidelity, Vomit, Abortion, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
lydiamaevee's review against another edition
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Gore, Suicide, Blood, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Abortion
ninjamuse's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Suicide
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Trafficking, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
katrin_loves_books's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Violence
Minor: Abortion