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mershey1's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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
LOVED IT AHHHHH
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape
smchoate's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
This was such a beautiful, incredible book. I loved the plot, the characters, the writing, and honestly, I don't have anything bad to say about it. Writing style is so important to me, and every word of this book just filled me with such joy. I gave this to my younger brother to read before my loan at the library expires, and I will be recommending it to any teens or adults I come across from now on! I cannot wait for the sequel!!
This book has such incredible things to say about different types of love, systems vs. individuals, admitting & fighting historical prejudice, found family, pride, empathy, the importance of names, cycles of abuse, gaslighting, and even gossip. There is asexual and queer representation, and it's unquestioningly accepted by the characters, which is so great for young people to read. The characters are racially diverse, and I didn't take issue with the clear real-life inspirations for the different lands. I loved learning about the magic as well as the religions of Aritsar, and as a government major, I loved the political aspect as well. READ THIS BOOK!! :)
This book has such incredible things to say about different types of love, systems vs. individuals, admitting & fighting historical prejudice, found family, pride, empathy, the importance of names, cycles of abuse, gaslighting, and even gossip. There is asexual and queer representation, and it's unquestioningly accepted by the characters, which is so great for young people to read. The characters are racially diverse, and I didn't take issue with the clear real-life inspirations for the different lands. I loved learning about the magic as well as the religions of Aritsar, and as a government major, I loved the political aspect as well. READ THIS BOOK!! :)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Slavery, Xenophobia, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Bullying and Sexual content
peachmoni's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- 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
"No, we don't deserve the burdens that our parents gave us. But we can't defeat monsters that we won't face."
A fantastic novel about love, duty and desire: how they can shape - or distort - who we are and who we become.
I found that the story picked up in Part 2, and from then on, I was engaged. Ifueko reveals mysteries bit by bit, which made me want to keep reading till the end. (Confession: I almost tapped out at around 90% because I thought the main story was over and everything else was filler. I am glad I continued, not only because that wasn't the case, but also because Jordan Ifueko writes nicely!)
I tried to figure out what was going on, which I don't actively do, usually... and I was wrong as hell, which I appreciate. 😂
Also of note:
- Cool to see ace representation as well, though I cannot judge whether it is 100% accurate
- The description of Tarisai's loneliness, particularly in the first book resonated with me, as a child who was often left to her own devices. Unlike Tarisai, though, I was able to make and keep friends at school and in my neighborhood.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Confinement, Death, and Genocide
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Rape, Sexual content, Slavery, Torture, Kidnapping, and Grief
xoodlebooks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
inspiring
mysterious
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Sexism, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Death, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Child death, Physical abuse, Rape, Suicide, Xenophobia, and Medical content
thewildmageslibrary's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
5.0
Listening to this was the perfect audio experience and I now want a physical copy. Tarisai just wants to belong and be loved. When she finally gets her wish, will she be forced to destroy it all? I loved the rich world the author created; you know worldbuilding is my weakness. I honestly didn't know how this would end, but *the journey* and that found family. ❤️ Looking forward to the sequel later this year!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Death of parent
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Emotional abuse
Minor: Rape
crinspire's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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
5.0
I didn't expect a YA fantasy to be my favorite read of the year so far, but look.
The story is gripping from the first to the last page. I don't think there was a single chapter that was lacking or that wasn't needed. It's also divided in 4 parts with short chapters within, so if you struggle to read plot heavy books because there's nowhere to stop, this one is for you. I was intimidated by the novel before picking it up because fantasy usually requires some effort to get into the world, but in this case it was immersive and made it so easy to dive in.
The main characters are so easy to root for. Tarisai is a wonderful protagonist, complex and strong without falling into Mary Sue territory. Dayo is a literal ray of sunshine, and Kirah and Sanjeet are both lovely and complex too. When it comes to the rest of the characters, though, this book also shines, portraying grey characters in a manner that makes sense, where no character is just plain evil. I found my opinion about so many characters changed organically as I found out more, both for better and for worse.
The immersive atmosphere aids to the rich worldbuilding of the book. I could see each scene perfectly thanks to the beautiful descriptions that didn't fall into purple prose. The story is complex, gripping from chapter one, filled with well crafted plot twists that build the puzzle that is this story. The world is not as perfect as it seems, and you find out along with Tarisai what justice truly means in a situation that reflects colonialism and erasure of culture, and patriarchy in the real world. By the end of the book, I was thoroughly satisfied but so happy that this is actually a duology and we're getting one more dive into this beautiful world and another chance to be with the characters.
This has it all. Found family. High stakes. Complex, deep rooted problems. Beautiful imagery. Hope. I strained my brain to find something I didn't love so that this review isn't me gushing nonstop, and the only thing I could come up with is that I wished there was more Dayo. So there you go. Take this as a push to pick this up.
The story is gripping from the first to the last page. I don't think there was a single chapter that was lacking or that wasn't needed. It's also divided in 4 parts with short chapters within, so if you struggle to read plot heavy books because there's nowhere to stop, this one is for you. I was intimidated by the novel before picking it up because fantasy usually requires some effort to get into the world, but in this case it was immersive and made it so easy to dive in.
The main characters are so easy to root for. Tarisai is a wonderful protagonist, complex and strong without falling into Mary Sue territory. Dayo is a literal ray of sunshine, and Kirah and Sanjeet are both lovely and complex too. When it comes to the rest of the characters, though, this book also shines, portraying grey characters in a manner that makes sense, where no character is just plain evil. I found my opinion about so many characters changed organically as I found out more, both for better and for worse.
The immersive atmosphere aids to the rich worldbuilding of the book. I could see each scene perfectly thanks to the beautiful descriptions that didn't fall into purple prose. The story is complex, gripping from chapter one, filled with well crafted plot twists that build the puzzle that is this story. The world is not as perfect as it seems, and you find out along with Tarisai what justice truly means in a situation that reflects colonialism and erasure of culture, and patriarchy in the real world. By the end of the book, I was thoroughly satisfied but so happy that this is actually a duology and we're getting one more dive into this beautiful world and another chance to be with the characters.
This has it all. Found family. High stakes. Complex, deep rooted problems. Beautiful imagery. Hope. I strained my brain to find something I didn't love so that this review isn't me gushing nonstop, and the only thing I could come up with is that I wished there was more Dayo. So there you go. Take this as a push to pick this up.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Domestic abuse and Rape
mar's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
TALENTED BRILLIANT INCREDIBLE AMAZING SHOW-STOPPING SPECTACULAR. QUITE POSSIBLY THE BEST YA FANTASY I'VE READ IN YEARS. I AM IN LOVE 😭😭😭
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, and Misogyny
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Rape
kenziewol's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I LOVED this book! It was such a good read and is easily one of my favorite books and honestly my top read of 2021 so far. This book was so engaging and I absolutely loved the world, the characters, the magic system and the plot.
The world building was really well done in my opinion. This world fascinated me and left me wanting to know so much more about the lore and history. I loved the way the magic system worked and found it super interesting and different from anything I had read before, it felt fresh and I really liked that about it. The characters were also all super lovable and I enjoyed watching them grow and develop throughout the story.
Overall I just felt this was a really good book that told an amazing story and I cannot wait until book two is in my hands. Basically, GO READ THIS BOOK!
The world building was really well done in my opinion. This world fascinated me and left me wanting to know so much more about the lore and history. I loved the way the magic system worked and found it super interesting and different from anything I had read before, it felt fresh and I really liked that about it. The characters were also all super lovable and I enjoyed watching them grow and develop throughout the story.
Overall I just felt this was a really good book that told an amazing story and I cannot wait until book two is in my hands. Basically, GO READ THIS BOOK!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, and Death of parent
Moderate: Death, Misogyny, Violence, and Death of parent
Minor: Rape and Sexual assault
sunnyreads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, and Racism
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Sexism, and Death of parent
Minor: Child death, Rape, and Murder
Ableist language is used throughout the text.notthatlibrarian's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Child death, Domestic abuse, Genocide, Panic attacks/disorders, Blood, and Death of parent
Minor: Rape, Sexism, and Slavery