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gardens_and_dragons's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A fun YA fantasy action novel - it was action packed and funny where it needed levity. I think it starts a bit slow but builds up to some big reveals that end in a cliffhanger for the next book.
I liked the characters and their banter a lot. I think that the character work saves this from becoming very generic: while there are some cool worldbuilding bits, I think that the plot is definitely reliant on tropes to carry it through. But! It was an enjoyable story all the same.
I liked the characters and their banter a lot. I think that the character work saves this from becoming very generic: while there are some cool worldbuilding bits, I think that the plot is definitely reliant on tropes to carry it through. But! It was an enjoyable story all the same.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Gore, and Violence
Moderate: Death of parent and Kidnapping
leedolee's review
adventurous
challenging
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
5.0
This was one of the most entertaining books I've read in a while! I absolutely loved the world created within the pages and everything to do with the magic. The characters were also fun and I greatly enjoyed the plot that unfolded.
I eagerly look forward to the sequel!
I eagerly look forward to the sequel!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Death, Blood, Violence, War, Death of parent, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Confinement, Cursing, and Murder
peridot_kintsugi's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The first 30 percent is pretty boring; this book, among many others in the fantasy genre, is guilty of infodumping the world building a bit. I found the characters likable and the plot interesting enough to keep reading, and it was immensely entertaining after the initial 30 percent. The plot twists were kind of predictable, but in the way that they are plausible and I simply have too much time on my hands for contemplating it.
The stakes are high, and I am very excited for the sequel.
The stakes are high, and I am very excited for the sequel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Gore, and Death of parent
Moderate: Murder, Pregnancy, and Colonisation
Minor: Animal death, Classism, Confinement, Infidelity, and Kidnapping
bookishmillennial's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
I don’t star rate books but I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not,. Find me on Instagram: @bookish.millennial or tiktok: @bookishmillennial
Pub Date: July 25th
Wren, -a bonesmith who fails her qualifying trial to become a valkyr- gets sent to the Border Wall to serve in disgrace instead.
The forced proximity situation between her and Julian the ironsmith was a lot of fun. I would say this is a bit of enemies-to-lovers situation hehe.
Wren is a bold, risk-taking, fun main character to root for, and the ending plot twist paid off for all of the relentless info dumping and world building.
I will say that for all the exposition, I did find the world really neat. The historical context, all the factions of the "smiths," and more! The vibes are reminiscent of the White Walkers from Game of Thrones.
I'm excited to see how this duology unfolds in the next book!
cw: dead bodies, pregnancy complications, death of a loved one, kidnapping, murder, violence, blood, genocide, gore
cw: dead bodies, pregnancy complications, death of a loved one, kidnapping, murder, violence, blood, genocide, gore
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Gore, Kidnapping, and Violence
Moderate: Pregnancy, Body horror, and Genocide
Minor: Death of parent
leahjanespeare's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0
If Pirate King Elizabeth Swann was a book, it would be this one. This edgy fantasy-adventure sucked me right in and by the end, spat my heart out along with my bones. Wren is rash and brave, qualities that often get her into trouble but also end up saving the day. I couldn't help but admire her audacity and lengths she is willing to go in her quest for the truth— about her world, but also herself. You'll be screaming, "Wren NO" as she runs into battle, bone blades slashing revenants in delight. With a unique lore and magic system, and a simmering romance like two opposing magnets, you'll fall in love with this dark nightmare. Bring on the sequel.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Gore
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