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ainadei's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Violence, Medical trauma, Fire/Fire injury, and Abandonment
kylieqrada's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
I haven't been picking up YA fantasy as much lately, but I am so glad that I grabbed this one. I probably would have loved it just for the asexual rep, but it is actually just an all-around really good book as well. The world-building and character development that Ms. Ifueko was able to accomplish in such a relatively short novel is incredible, and definitely sets the stage for the second installment in the series. The use of time jumps within the narrative allows the author to provide a good amount of back story for Tarisai without getting bogged down, and keeps the story moving along. While I definitely felt that the characters were the main draw for me personally, the plot had just enough intrigue and twists and turns to keep me hooked. A very enjoyable reading experience overall.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Misogyny, Sexism, Slavery, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, and Murder