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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 So there is still so much historical content to be explored.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: Death of parent, Drug abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Child abuse, Miscarriage, Murder, Rape, Self harm, Kidnapping, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Slavery, Body horror, Child death, Classism, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicide, and Grief
alicesloan'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
4.5
Graphic: Rape, Sexual violence, Sexism, and Slavery
Moderate: Sexual assault, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Pregnancy, Suicide, Abortion, and Physical abuse
Minor: Death of parent and Child abuse
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: Toxic relationship, Classism, Sexual assault, Alcoholism, Pregnancy, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Death, Cursing, Murder, Grief, Child abuse, Slavery, Rape, Misogyny, Xenophobia, Violence, Sexism, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, Sexual content, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, Racial slurs, Colonisation, Trafficking, and Alcohol
Moderate: Death of parent, Addiction, Vomit, Body shaming, Adult/minor relationship, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Infidelity, and Abortion
dreamyreadsss's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Sexism, Body horror, Physical abuse, and Rape
lydiamaevee's review against another edition
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Kidnapping, Physical abuse, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Suicide, Injury/Injury detail, Gore, Grief, Death, Confinement, and Blood
Minor: Abortion
katrin_loves_books's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Death, Sexual violence, Violence, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Sexual assault
Minor: Abortion
cereads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Alcohol, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, Suicide, Death, Physical abuse, Slavery, and Violence
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Vomit, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, and Pregnancy
Minor: Addiction, Abortion, and Fatphobia
johannasteina's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Graphic: Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Slavery, and Violence
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Abortion
liteartha's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
i was particularly struck by the complexity of the characters' relationships, be it within the power structures of their surroundings or interpersonally. the relationships between the women especially were portrayed with such nuance and depth, which i loved, but i would have appreciated a little more exploration of the characters themselves. while i understand why we didn't get a wealth of background for much of anyone, it still left me feeling less invested than i otherwise would've been
on the whole, such an impressive start to a trilogy. i had very high hopes for this book and while it wasn't quite all that i'd hoped, i'm walking away satisfied and very excited to continue on with the series
Graphic: Slavery, Sexual violence, Rape, Misogyny, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Suicide and Death
Minor: Abortion
banlocan'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
4.25
Graphic: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Blood, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Violence, Trafficking, Suicide, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Sexual content, Sexual assault, Pregnancy, Physical abuse, Medical trauma, Kidnapping, Injury/Injury detail, and Slavery
Moderate: Abandonment, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Rape, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship