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jascurr's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- 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
lucybmn's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- 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
4.25
I was so worried that I wouldn't like this as much as I wanted to... I've become internet friends with the author and the concept sounded so good and unique. I had also gotten my expectations quite high from following her and getting tidbits on Instagram. I was worried because of that, and because of its "romantasy" designation (by the author herself) that I'd be extremely critical and might feel disappointed.
But thankfully, I LOVED IT. ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ The romance was touching and believable; not too much at all. The story is so devastating but so moving. The characters are well-developed and made me feel things. 🥲 The villains weren't complete caricatures. It was also made clear that there are layers of villains and we have barely struck the surface, which I am into. And not to mention, this book tugged the shit out of my heartstrings. 😠The last bit definitely pulled my emotions every which way. And I'm here for it (but ouch 💔).
The one thing I could have used more of was some macro-worldbuilding and exposition. BUT I also understood why there was a lack of it. It was clear that the characters themselves don't actually know much about the world they're living in. And since we're in the mind of one person who is razor-focused on survival and can't spare a thought to muse about world history, it makes some sense that we didn't get much. I also have a feeling we'll learn more later.
However, the micro-worldbuilding was really good. I really got a feel for the Vault and the wilderness.
Other than that, there were some typical indie-published editing issues. But I am way less harsh on those for indie since the editing process is all DIY. I've now read two self-pub books (that I know of) and I have to say, there is something about them. It's hard to describe, but I think publishers must tend to push a pretty standard narrative structure. And both indie books I've read have just felt different, and it's so refreshing!
Well. I'm so glad that I can give my author friend a good report! Absolutely stoked for the sequel(s).
EDIT a month later: I'm slightly downgrading this to 4.25. I think the emotional turmoil of the last part of the book had me riled up and inspired the 4.5 lol. I did really love this; obviously 4.25 is still a great rating. I just can't ignore some of the repetitive writing and such.
But thankfully, I LOVED IT. ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ The romance was touching and believable; not too much at all. The story is so devastating but so moving. The characters are well-developed and made me feel things. 🥲 The villains weren't complete caricatures. It was also made clear that there are layers of villains and we have barely struck the surface, which I am into. And not to mention, this book tugged the shit out of my heartstrings. 😠The last bit definitely pulled my emotions every which way. And I'm here for it (but ouch 💔).
The one thing I could have used more of was some macro-worldbuilding and exposition. BUT I also understood why there was a lack of it. It was clear that the characters themselves don't actually know much about the world they're living in. And since we're in the mind of one person who is razor-focused on survival and can't spare a thought to muse about world history, it makes some sense that we didn't get much. I also have a feeling we'll learn more later.
However, the micro-worldbuilding was really good. I really got a feel for the Vault and the wilderness.
Other than that, there were some typical indie-published editing issues. But I am way less harsh on those for indie since the editing process is all DIY. I've now read two self-pub books (that I know of) and I have to say, there is something about them. It's hard to describe, but I think publishers must tend to push a pretty standard narrative structure. And both indie books I've read have just felt different, and it's so refreshing!
Well. I'm so glad that I can give my author friend a good report! Absolutely stoked for the sequel(s).
EDIT a month later: I'm slightly downgrading this to 4.25. I think the emotional turmoil of the last part of the book had me riled up and inspired the 4.5 lol. I did really love this; obviously 4.25 is still a great rating. I just can't ignore some of the repetitive writing and such.
laurenholstein9's review
challenging
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Good read. The pacing at the end was kinda wonky. Interesting world. Likable characters. Looking forward to where the series goes
kulisek's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- 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
I can’t even describe how much enjoyed and love this book. The story is so unexpected and the ending left with tears. And I would lie if I still waited that maybe it wasn’t real and there would be still some chance. Absolutely can’t wait for the second one.
elenaaabtz's review
dark
emotional
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- 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
alsxansra's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
UGH THE ENDING made me literally question everything. I’ve never read a book where this particular choice is permanent ðŸ˜, I was hoping it wasn’t true. The world building could use a bit more information, thus why I didn’t give it a five star rating. BUT, I was so immersed into the main character’s head, I could feel her pain as if it were my own. This is definitely a book that’s been on my mind for days after reading it.
folded_between_pages_of_books's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Gore, Body horror, Child abuse, Rape, Cursing, Death, Medical content, Murder, Violence, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, Torture, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Vomit, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
oriannedb's review
adventurous
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- 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