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melliedm'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? Yes
4.75
In Redemptor, Tarisai must balance the guilt she carries over her past, present, and possible futures with her convictions about what the world could be. We see into the darkness of her own mind (metaphorically) as the supernatural abiku put their plans into motion, and see whether she will become her own or not.
My only complaint is the same as in book 1: the weird age-gap relationship of two side characters.
Graphic: Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, and Classism
Moderate: Ableism, Child death, Misogyny, Sexual content, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Murder, and War
Minor: Adult/minor relationship and Pregnancy
tired_cicada'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
4.0
For the good, Ifueko's writing style is so pretty and poetic. She writes characters who feel like real people. She handles sensitivite subjects with such grace and honor. Her takes in justice and personal accountability leave a flushed out story while also making a clear social comentary. Her use of mythology to enhance the story without turning it into a crutch is so masterful! All of her story lines get wrapped up, I don't like anything plot important was left with loose threads. Some relationships were left open ended, and not everything is "fixed" but it was a natural conclusion to the duology.
The Ace rep specifically was so dear to me! To have an emotional, loving, HUMAN character who is conically ace is so rare! Love my boy Dyao!!
As for the not so good--
There were definitely some pacing issues with this book. The magic system, particularly the bargain aspect of it, could have used a bit more time to flush it out.
The love triangle was entirely unnecessary, particularly when it amounted to nothing.
It was a little predictable
All in all, the good outweighed the bad, and I liked it.
Moderate: Body horror, Bullying, Child death, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Grief, Gaslighting, Colonisation, War, and Classism
friendly_neighborhood_grandma'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: Ableism, Bullying, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Colonisation
eni_iilorak'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? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Child death, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Ableism, Bullying, Child abuse, Sexism, Slavery, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, and Classism
Minor: Confinement, Drug use, Sexual content, and Abandonment
aseel_reads'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? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Bullying and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
hollyk'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
3.0
But this book lacked some of the charm of the first book--namely, Dayo's council, who barely make an appearance before going back to their home realms. And in their place we have Tarisai creating a whole new council of people that to be frank, I had no real interest or investment in with the exception of Min Ja.
It also seems like the empire still isn't really fair? Like sure,
The Redemptor arc was only the fifth section, and the previous book seemed to imply that it would be a major part of this book--but at the end of the day, it was barely a factor and could have been a much larger portion with more significance, especially in regards to
I still enjoyed this book, the writing is beautiful and the characters are great, but there were just some elements that left me wanting more.
Graphic: Child death, Death, and Mental illness
Moderate: Ableism, Bullying, Child abuse, Sexism, Violence, Blood, Grief, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, and Classism
Minor: Alcoholism, Panic attacks/disorders, and War
a_libra_library'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? N/A
4.0
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism