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dragonwriter'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
3.5
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Body shaming, and Suicide
Minor: Slavery
coymeld's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- 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
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Body shaming, Bullying, Eating disorder, Gaslighting, Medical content, Emotional abuse, Sexual violence, Slavery, Murder, War, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Misogyny, Classism, Grief, Lesbophobia, Fatphobia, Kidnapping, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Violence, Gore, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Medical trauma, Sexual harassment, and Torture
ashleereadsbooks692'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? No
3.75
Moderate: Blood, Torture, Suicide, Violence, Murder, Death, and Body shaming
allisonwonderlandreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- 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
This is a story of resistance-- of sometimes simmering, sometimes seething anger. After the events of The Belles left things in disarray, The Everlasting Rose picks up with an action-packed, on-the-run type situation. We get to explore more of the map as our outlaws crisscross the islands, trying to keep to the shadows, save the Belles, and save the kingdom from its evil queen. Plus, we get teacup dragons, which is an amazing idea in every way.
Dhonielle Clayton is a rockstar of figurative language, and her descriptions were just as tantalizing and immersive as in the first book. The message about the harm of society's beauty standards is also just as strong. In a departure from the first book, It was good to see Camille rise from victim to morally grey vengeance-seeker, even when her grittier role came to stress me out. At least she was no one's pawn.
My lingering concerns are thus: there was a second instalove plot here, and I've got to draw the line somewhere (preferably before the first, but oh, well). Also, the plot ends on a kind of traumatized note. I don't think I know how to process where things landed until I see it play out in a sequel. The story was wrapped up almost abruptly after the final showdown, and after a slew of reveals, losses, and furious acts of violence, I needed to reflect a bit more with the characters on what it all means. I hope that is forthcoming in future books.
Graphic: Body shaming and Violence
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Torture, Suicide, and Murder
saroshnandwani'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? No
4.0
Moderate: Animal death, Body horror, Body shaming, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Kidnapping, Physical abuse, Suicide, Torture, and Toxic relationship