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nightfell'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? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A lot of people say that the book is slow paced and the first half is hard to get through, but for me that was the best part of the book. You witness Addie's fear of dying before she has lived and experienced everything, her meeting Luc which is one of the most magical parts of the book. Then her struggles living in Paris, and the flashback chapters in the first half are so turbulent. The angst of her present situation paired with her struggles in the past makes the first half so interesting.
However, once Henry was introduced the book dragged a bit for me. This man is one of the most boring, dull, stale love interests I have ever read. He brought nothing to the table and every chapter I had to read in his pov had me questioning if I even like the book to begin with. During his 'backstory' when you learn more about him and why he can remember Addie, I did relate to him on some level but he was still boring and I just didn't care about him.
Addie and Luc's relationship throughout the book is definitely the main reason I gave this book 4 stars. They had good chemistry, and there is something so deep about their bond that goes beyond romance. The fact that he was the only person who remembers her for 300 years and despite her hatred and resentment of him, she was relieved everytime he showed up gave so much complexity to their relationship beyond the standard 'enemies to lovers' which I don't really see them fitting into that category, as they are so unique. I know they are toxic and some of the stuff he said/did or didn't do was questionable, however I just love the fact that for better or for worse he remembered her, and saw her (mostly) every year.
There is a line that goes something like "perhaps an enemy's company is still better than none" and I just think that perfectly sums up the complexities of their relationship.
Towards the end I kept getting whiplash, because one minute I'd be reading Addie and Luc is some mysterious location saying some dramatic dialogue, then I'd turn the page and see Henry asking Addie if she was to go to the Ice Cream Factory, like??? People who ship Addie and Henry do so in spite of the people who ship Addie and Luc, because there is no other explanation that can justify liking them. Not even in comparison to Addie and Luc. I feel like the Henry stans need to hear that they don't have to ship anyone with Addie, because they were so boring I swear. Or just ship Addie and Sam, they were cute.
I wish Addie had fallen in love with a girl (like Bea) instead of Henry, because then maybe I would have rated this a 4.5/5. Ik everyone was crying over the ending but....it wasn't that sad, if anything it felt like it ended on a cliffhanger and I wish there was a novella.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, I just wish it had more emotion and depth. Addie and Luc carried this book. Also why was Luc more of a comedic relief in this book than Henry and his friends. I knew the stuff he was saying was hurtful to Addie ect but I was laughing (not at the possessive stuff though that kinda gave me the ick).
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Grief and Misogyny
Minor: Body horror, Death, Death of parent, Drug abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Suicidal thoughts, and War
mizu's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Body horror, Violence, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Alcohol and Drug use
Minor: Child death and Suicidal thoughts
voxelbee's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Moderate: Body horror, Violence, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, Sexism, Emotional abuse, and Death of parent
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Blood, Cancer, War, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual assault, Panic attacks/disorders, and Mental illness
abbs15norm'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
Graphic: Alcohol, Body horror, Confinement, Death, Drug use, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Toxic relationship, Violence, and War
ninjamuse's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Body horror, Toxic relationship, Terminal illness, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual assault, Grief, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Alcoholism, Drug use, Drug abuse, and Mental illness
emerynmader's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Drug abuse, Drug use, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, and Death
Moderate: Blood, Body horror, Violence, Sexual content, and Addiction
Minor: Biphobia and Blood