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hwildy's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Graphic: Death, Toxic relationship, Blood, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Drug abuse, Drug use, Rape, and Vomit
Minor: Racism and Blood
star_witch's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Graphic: Drug abuse, Drug use, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Murder, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
gwynnfox's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
4.25
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Trafficking, Murder, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment
catorureads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Something I heard from other reviewers was that were different time lines and that it was difficult to follow. I didn't have any problems with that so for me it wasn't that confusing. I liked Darlington the most and we got the least of him so... I also enjoyed Danes and I didn't hate Alex but she just wasn't my favorite. Plot wise, I don't have much to say. The story intrigued me but I'm writing this review a few days later and I'm starting to forget the plot already. I might pick up the next book, just not right now.
I'm still dipping my toes into the dark academia genre and I'm not sure yet if it's something for me.
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, Blood, Murder, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Addiction, Drug abuse, Drug use, and Excrement
sashahc's review
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Addiction, Drug use, Murder, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Classism
tarawade17's review
- 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? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Addiction, Body horror, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gun violence, Rape, Sexual assault, Blood, and Sexual harassment
prairieraven's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Moderate: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Excrement, Medical content, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Stalking, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
carmencolette's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Gore, Physical abuse, and Blood
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Vomit, Murder, and Sexual harassment
wright_rendon_reads'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
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really liked and cared for Alex. She's sassy, tough, and has been through a lot. I enjoyed her character arch and the flashbacks helped flesh her out since the book takes place over a short period. She's a bit of a Mary Sue, and I know we're in a reality with magic but she does dodge death a few too many times. Darlington and Dawes were great side characters and I look forward to seeing them more.
Plot and Pacing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I might be a little skewed on this one since I picked it up as school started and I got sick in the middle of reading it. It definitely wasn't a page turner but the mystery and investigations kept me coming back and reading 30-50 pages in a sitting.
World Building: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Nine secret magic societies at Yale hidden in plain sight? Sign me up. I found the index in the back to be helpful especially since some of the names are similar. I liked the magic in this book and look forward to more in the second.
Themes: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Part of what drew me to the Dark Academia genre was the fact that it critiques academia. This book definitely tackles privilege and fraternity culture throughout.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
It was enjoyable and I want to read the sequel. It definitely is weird at times and would not recommend for everyone.
Graphic: Drug abuse, Drug use, Gore, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, Murder, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
imjustmaria's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Addiction, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Blood, Grief, Murder, Sexual harassment, and Classism