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javablue's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Like a much worse version of the Shatter Me series. Unlikeable, 1D characters all around.
juverley's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
2.5
haleybeanie's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- 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
4.0
betteryouthanme's review against another edition
I heard about this book before it released in December 2023. It intrigued me from the vague explanations that were given. I didn't research too much about the plot before reading it when it came out. I knew of the assassin premise/ the specific magic Ruying has and that was it. That is what drew me to the novel and I don't think it was handled well. The interesting parts were sidetracked for the romance.
The whole Roman thing was also very confusing. I could not figure out if Chang was using real life Rome or just didnt put thought into making up a name for it.
The whole Roman thing was also very confusing. I could not figure out if Chang was using real life Rome or just didnt put thought into making up a name for it.
marywollstonecraftshelley's review against another edition
3.75
Some great ideas but has debut shortcomings (plot moves too fast, characters don’t reflect on emotions)
jebecky's review against another edition
Ugh, I hated all the characters, the story felt really unoriginal, there was no character development. The reason I almost finished the book is because introduction by the author was so interesting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Torture, Drug use, Xenophobia, Physical abuse, Police brutality, Gun violence, Toxic relationship, Murder, Racism, Misogyny, Medical content, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Death of parent, Genocide, Death, Addiction, and Grief
keeley_and_zuko's review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
toyoubooks's review against another edition
slow-paced
1.0
This was a highly anticipated read for me this year, and now that it’s a month out from publishing date I figured I’d get my review up with my thoughts.
This book has now garnered mixed attention online for the second time, the first time being of no control of the author’s own. But seeing how the situation was handled the second time has definitely left me with a bad taste in my mouth.
Reviews, at their core, are for readers. They are not for authors. Everyone is allowed to form their own opinions on a book regardless of the negative or positive reviews associated with it. I certainly didn’t let the negative reviews sway me from picking up my arc.
That being said, this book desperately needed more attention in the editing process. To prevent sounding like a broken record and mimicking other reviewers, I’ll just say that the author’s note is misleading and taints your view of the book before experiencing the world that the author has created. Which is really unfair for everyone involved, including the author.
Our two main characters needed some time away from the page to grow. And unfortunately, reading the story of a kinda sorta colonizer isn’t exactly my preference.
I’m sad it didn’t work for me, but hopefully my review gives perspective into why it didn’t!
Thank you Random House and NetGalley for the ARC!
This book has now garnered mixed attention online for the second time, the first time being of no control of the author’s own. But seeing how the situation was handled the second time has definitely left me with a bad taste in my mouth.
Reviews, at their core, are for readers. They are not for authors. Everyone is allowed to form their own opinions on a book regardless of the negative or positive reviews associated with it. I certainly didn’t let the negative reviews sway me from picking up my arc.
That being said, this book desperately needed more attention in the editing process. To prevent sounding like a broken record and mimicking other reviewers, I’ll just say that the author’s note is misleading and taints your view of the book before experiencing the world that the author has created. Which is really unfair for everyone involved, including the author.
Our two main characters needed some time away from the page to grow. And unfortunately, reading the story of a kinda sorta colonizer isn’t exactly my preference.
I’m sad it didn’t work for me, but hopefully my review gives perspective into why it didn’t!
Thank you Random House and NetGalley for the ARC!
themuffintopthief's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
4.0