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morethanmylupus's review against another edition
1.0
What I liked:
- I liked the premise here: the world is split into upper and lower realms and where you live is based on your own morality (vs the typical have vs have nots).
- The maps
What I didn't:
- 3 MCs and nobody got any meaningful character development
- Cringy romance
- Stilted dialogue
- Thinly veiled Christianity everywhere -- Now, I should caveat that I'm not Christian and was not raised Christian. I think people who are working through deconstruction having been raised in that faith may find this cathartic, but it didn't speak to me.
- The ending, lost a whole star on that nonsense.
A huge thank you to the author and the publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
- I liked the premise here: the world is split into upper and lower realms and where you live is based on your own morality (vs the typical have vs have nots).
- The maps
What I didn't:
- 3 MCs and nobody got any meaningful character development
- Cringy romance
- Stilted dialogue
- Thinly veiled Christianity everywhere -- Now, I should caveat that I'm not Christian and was not raised Christian. I think people who are working through deconstruction having been raised in that faith may find this cathartic, but it didn't speak to me.
- The ending, lost a whole star on that nonsense.
A huge thank you to the author and the publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
marcellemml's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-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
3.75
bekahklemke's review against another edition
4.5
I absolutely inhaled this book. It had such strong fantasy elements, such as a unique magic system, complex world-building and politics, found family, and a fast-paced plot.
But the YA elements gave the story a very endearing quality. These characters are still teenagers, and Vora was able to capture that awkward self-consciousness and self-doubt that is a critical part of being a teen. I adored these characters even though they ticked me off at times, and I am so excited for the next book to come out so I can continue their story.
There was a part of the story in the middle where I feel the plot stalled a bit, but we got to know our characters a bit more so the slowing plot still seemed to serve a purpose.
I think this book is perfect for adult fantasy readers as well as young adult readers that want to have a stronger fantasy vibe to their books. It was the perfect blend of everything I love about fantasy and the sweet qualities of YA. Long story short, add this story to your tbr!
But the YA elements gave the story a very endearing quality. These characters are still teenagers, and Vora was able to capture that awkward self-consciousness and self-doubt that is a critical part of being a teen. I adored these characters even though they ticked me off at times, and I am so excited for the next book to come out so I can continue their story.
There was a part of the story in the middle where I feel the plot stalled a bit, but we got to know our characters a bit more so the slowing plot still seemed to serve a purpose.
I think this book is perfect for adult fantasy readers as well as young adult readers that want to have a stronger fantasy vibe to their books. It was the perfect blend of everything I love about fantasy and the sweet qualities of YA. Long story short, add this story to your tbr!
thelonelywizard's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
reflective
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
You know how rare it is to make me love ALL of the MCs in a multi-pov book?
Aina I love you soooo bad the world doesn’t deserve u
Meizan you’re the realest mf in this book, love my one track-minded king
Aranel…how are u gay, annoying, and have abandonment issues? pick a struggle
Aina I love you soooo bad the world doesn’t deserve u
Meizan you’re the realest mf in this book, love my one track-minded king
Aranel…how are u gay, annoying, and have abandonment issues? pick a struggle
amilleru's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
3.25
Predictable but interesting enough to read the second when it comes out
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence and War
riverlander's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A very good book! I liked the discussions of what it means to do good, as well as the way systems can work to unfairly punish those that were born into their circumstances. I especially enjoyed the way characters with privilege were (rightfully imo) treated with scorn when voicing opinions that could only have come from always living in their privileged realm and never having to confront otherwise.
The soul spinning concept and channeling was also something I enjoyed and I liked all the different ways the various characters thought about their own soul spin.
There are still many unanswered questions and unresolved character conflicts, likely to be addressed as the series continues, and I’m excited to see where it goes!
The soul spinning concept and channeling was also something I enjoyed and I liked all the different ways the various characters thought about their own soul spin.
There are still many unanswered questions and unresolved character conflicts, likely to be addressed as the series continues, and I’m excited to see where it goes!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Death of parent, Murder, and War
savvynewts's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
1.75