Scan barcode
jocogr's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Addiction and Alcoholism
Moderate: Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Physical abuse, Classism, Death, Racism, and Violence
caphine'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
Graphic: Racism, Colonisation, Alcoholism, and Slavery
crinkledmochi's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Grief, Suicide attempt, Gore, Blood, Violence, Suicidal thoughts, Alcoholism, Self harm, Panic attacks/disorders, Colonisation, Death, Drug use, Hate crime, Injury/Injury detail, Xenophobia, Trafficking, Torture, Genocide, Addiction, Vomit, War, and Sexual content
lunaviolet's review against another edition
4.5
Full Review:
Melissa Blair knew what story she wanted to tell and told it well. I could not put this book down.
The world was so immersive and well thought out. I felt like this book hit the perfect balance between fantastical and realistic world building. It was grounded in reality despite being set in an entirely different world. The exploration of social structures and colonialist societies was grounded in reality while the fantastical settings lifted the text out of the real world, allowing for a facade of surface level escapism.
The main character's internal dialogue and struggles with morality and identity is where the book (and Blair's writing) really shine. Her self-hatred and internal conflict felt very realistic and well written.
If you enjoy high-fantasy novels exploring the aftermath of ethnic cleansing and dipping into the politics of a colonized land, you'll love this book.
Graphic: Self harm and Alcoholism
Moderate: Colonisation
Minor: Death and Genocide
Aftermath of ethnic cleansing and colonialismdatgirllani'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
5.0
The best fantasy book I’ve ever read. And I don’t even like fantasy. I can’t even pick what my favorite part of the book is. The writing? The characters? The plot? The themes/tropes? I picked this book up and finished in one sitting, that’s how invested I was in it. The main character is so badass that you get jealous. She knows how to put people in their place and isn’t afraid to do it. She does what needs to be done and doesn’t take shit from anybody. She’s a critical thinker, quick witted, ruthless yet merciful, unyielding, I could go on and on about how an amazing character she is. I love this author’s way of writing, some books feel as if they came straight from Wattpad but the flow of the writing keeps you roped in, reading seamlessly. For this being her first book she did amazing. If you love a true enemies to lovers then look no further. I’m talking about both wanting the other dead and willing to do anything to do it. Add in the slow burn of their romance and it’s chefs kiss. Bonus point for the plot twist. If you like fantasy, you will love this book. READ IT!
Graphic: Alcohol, Murder, Colonisation, Grief, Alcoholism, and Sexual content
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Vomit, Blood, and Death
Minor: Cursing, Kidnapping, and Torture
chrisb913'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
5.0
This was an absolute fantastic read from start to finish. Everything from the character growth and the world building was on point.
We start off the story with Keera, the Blade to the King and leader of his Arsenal. As the story progresses we see Keera struggle not only with her personal flaws but her commitment to the King. The character development of Keera through out the book had me desperate to continue the story.
This story has a little bit of everything. Lots of action, a mystery surrounding what is truly happening in the kingdom, a fantastic slow burn enemies to lovers subplot, and an absolute badass master assassin that is not ONLY a FMC but truly feels as though they have earned that title. Melissa writes Keera in such a way that truly outshines many other popular female lead assassin books out on the market today.
This is the first of the four book saga and i will absolutely be continuing on with this story. The first three books are out now and I HIGHLY recommend you pick this up and give it a try.
Graphic: Murder, Slavery, Alcoholism, Racism, Addiction, Alcohol, Classism, Colonisation, Death, Self harm, and Xenophobia
bergha1998'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
3.75
Fantasy, Enemies to Lovers, Character Development, 2 🔥
“And still he found beauty in the darkness of it, in my light and my shadows.”
Graphic: Alcoholism, Blood, Genocide, Kidnapping, Physical abuse, Child abuse, Alcohol, Classism, Grief, Racism, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Colonisation, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Suicidal thoughts, Misogyny, Addiction, Bullying, Injury/Injury detail, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual content and Sexual assault
rachelfayreads'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
4.25
Graphic: Genocide, Alcoholism, Death, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, and Colonisation
Moderate: Trafficking, Addiction, Torture, Sexual harassment, Physical abuse, and Kidnapping
anntharai's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Slavery, Emotional abuse, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Xenophobia, Violence, Racism, Murder, Classism, Death, Blood, and Colonisation
Moderate: Torture
cryosphinx'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
I can see why some people may not like this since it's a fairly trope heavy book. The author thanks BookTok and it does gear it towards that type of 'tell me the tropes' writing. My biggest complaint was about half way through the book I was over being reminded that Halfings had their ears altered. Very repetitive reminder to the readers to see it mentioned over and over. While there was a lot more political intrigue than I anticipated which I love as a trope, I feel like the colonialism could have been a bigger aspect. I hope the next books continue to talk about it but bring in more to the forefront.
But when I hit the 75% mark I immediately ordered the next one and pre-ordered 3 so I clearly enjoyed it. Give me tropey fantasy and I will devour it.
Graphic: Alcoholism, Violence, Self harm, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, and War
Moderate: Alcohol and Colonisation
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Torture