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ainadei'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? It's complicated
4.75
Graphic: Violence, War, Torture, and Misogyny
Minor: Sexual violence and Sexual assault
decie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, War, Abandonment, Animal death, Body horror, Violence, Sexism, Child abuse, Misogyny, Blood, Child death, Death, Gore, Physical abuse, and Confinement
Moderate: Racism, Death of parent, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Rape
magnoliaash's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Sexism, War, Misogyny, Body horror, Gore, Grief, and Violence
mojoelvial'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
3.5
Minor: Animal cruelty and War
nelldiaz'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? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Religious bigotry, Torture, Body horror, Child death, Blood, Death, Violence, Misogyny, War, Child abuse, and Gore
Moderate: Death of parent, Grief, Rape, Sexism, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Vomit
jessicaludden's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Minor: Torture, Child death, Death, Abandonment, Gore, Death of parent, Rape, Violence, Murder, War, Blood, Animal death, Child abuse, and Sexual assault
zombiezami's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Violence, Animal death, Blood, Misogyny, Child death, Child abuse, Mental illness, Abandonment, Colonisation, Death of parent, Trafficking, Body horror, Gore, Medical content, Religious bigotry, Kidnapping, Grief, Hate crime, Police brutality, Slavery, War, Torture, Murder, Death, Sexism, Outing, Fire/Fire injury, Domestic abuse, Genocide, Physical abuse, and Stalking
Moderate: Excrement, Body shaming, Bullying, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Colonisation, and Vomit
colorismclotalksbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Just to say though, it is definitely more brutal than I was expecting, but then would have some moments that felt very YA. It felt a bit at odds, where sometimes I thought I probably would have enjoyed it more when I was younger, but then some bits I probably wouldn't have coped with if I was younger (I'm a tad squeamish). It took me a little bit to fully get on board with it, if I'm honest!
Despite these moments, I overall found it a very good read. I looked forward to picking it up to see where the story was going. Although I thought I had it all figured out, I was glad to be surprised by it. These surprises enhanced my enjoyment of it and the ending especially made me very keen to continue this series.
I liked the range of characters, and look forward to spending more time with them. It is a fresh fantasy, exploring themes you'd expect to find in books/films like The Handmaid's Tale or The Woman King, and serving this to a new audience.
Graphic: Blood, Torture, Murder, War, and Violence
tiffanne11's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Deka has never fit in and is looking forward to being deemed pure and finally belonging. But her entire world is turned upside down when her town is attacked on the day of the ritual. Her blood runs gold, and everything changes.
As a whole, this story was compelling. It used fiction to describe and address real systemic issues, while also creating a world and characters that draw you in.
However, the big reveal was not shocking and it was mildly frustrating how long it took for it to happen.
To me, there is no reason for there to be a sequel or to read it. All of the main loose ends were tied up, and there isn't anything pulling me into continuing the story. The reader has all of the information we need to put it down and be satisfied.
Graphic: Torture, Racism, War, Blood, Murder, Sexism, and Trafficking
Moderate: Confinement, Misogyny, Sexual violence, Gore, Hate crime, Genocide, Pregnancy, Physical abuse, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
mysteryspouse's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Forced institutionalization, Kidnapping, Ableism, Domestic abuse, Genocide, Gore, Murder, Cursing, Abandonment, Colonisation, Blood, Body horror, Confinement, Death, Death of parent, Deportation, Emotional abuse, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Medical trauma, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Religious bigotry, Sexism, War, Torture, Trafficking, Violence, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Sexual violence, Rape, Panic attacks/disorders, Child death, Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Vomit, Sexual assault, Self harm, and Dysphoria
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Excrement