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paperbacksandsnacks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was my second attempt at reading this which I think is important to note. The first attempt I had to do a soft DNF because I just really couldn’t get into the story at all. So at least this time was better. But I do still think this took a while to really get my teeth into, and even then I felt like I was a bit bored until maybe the last 25%.
Tbh it’s a very confusing book. I don’t read a lot of dark academia so maybe that’s just the genre as a whole but for me I was just like what is actually going on for a solid 40% of the book (although not necessarily all the first 40%). It was both vague and far too detailed. And you’d start to like a character or a part of the storyline and then it would just change and be from someone else’s perspective or that subplot would be forgotten. Idk. Also, I was never sure of the chronological order because it all felt a bit chaotic. That did add more mystery I guess but I’m not super convinced.
I think the series as a whole has potential. With the way this book ended I’m thinking the second book will be far more interesting. That’s not to say this one wasn’t, I just think it was a lot of build up for the series as a whole. I am super intrigued about the connection between Nico and Libby, and also Tristan. I think the characters were written well because I did have a lot of read and vivid feelings towards them like the rage I felt at Callum if I’m being very honest.
Overall, I think this book was an okay part of a potentially promising whole. It wasn’t the best book I’ve ever read and tbh I’m not going to rush to read the second book. But it was an interesting and different read for me. If you like dark academia with magical elements then you’ll probably be super in your comfort zone with this one.
I’d sum it up by saying this is a seductive novel that challenges your thoughts and ideals. Would you betray all your morals for a chance at true power and almost infinite knowledge?
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Death, Suicide, Sexual content, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Alcohol, and Murder
blamelucy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The magic mechanism, in my opinion, could do with a little more TLC but the rest of the writing carries it nicely otherwise.
Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Moderate: Violence and Suicidal thoughts
watsontheslytherin's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Violence, Death, Gaslighting, Infidelity, Toxic friendship, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Cursing, Emotional abuse, Kidnapping, Murder, Suicide attempt, and Torture
Minor: Blood, Alcohol, Chronic illness, and Drug use
monstrouscosmos's review against another edition
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Panic attacks/disorders, Ableism, Infidelity, Bullying, Incest, Rape, Domestic abuse, Toxic friendship, Medical trauma, Medical content, Death, Death of parent, Suicidal thoughts, Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Chronic illness, Colonisation, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Child abuse, Classism, Physical abuse, Sexism, Stalking, Suicide attempt, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Mass/school shootings, Mental illness, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Murder, Sexual violence, Suicide, and Violence
I put all the triggers I remembered in "moderate", though some would definitely be better described as "minor" or "graphic".rozex's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Moderate: Sexual content, Toxic friendship, Suicidal thoughts, Alcohol, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
nnylelocin's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Minor: Death of parent, Sexual content, Suicide, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Suicidal thoughts
alyxbeau'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
5.0
The subject matter of time and space has always been fascinating to me, and this book while complex, is still approachable. It doesn't make you feel bad for not inherently understanding what these brilliant medians are talking about. In fact, it does not particularly need to make sense in your own brain in order to understand how amazing what they are studying and accomplishing is.
I'm super excited to read the future books and find out what happens!
Graphic: Suicide and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Murder and Toxic friendship
Minor: Terminal illness
izabelstohel's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Minor: Suicide attempt, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, Murder, and Blood
ashxiio's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
aims to mislead you because the big key plot twist warps everything you’ve read so it’s totally unpredictable because you see each character’s perspective apart from the ones who are truly the masterminds behind these particular initiates being chosen so you are seeing it through their lens and are even more confused and creating personal theories which makes what really happens at the end more surprising than anything else because we now finally know what’s happening but the characters still don’t know the real reason why they’re there. I’m definitely reading the other books in this trilogy! I have a feeling everything I just wrote made no sense I was aiming to not spoil so it’s a book you need to read if you want to understand what I wrote 😭 it’s also got such a diverse set of characters and it’s such refreshing representation in all honesty :’)
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Murder
Moderate: Sexual harassment
Minor: Death of parent
Spoiler freeblack_cat_iiix's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Self harm, Emotional abuse, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Death, and Classism
Moderate: Bullying, Gore, Body horror, Child death, Chronic illness, Domestic abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, and Kidnapping