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kayceeisbookish's review
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book wasn't what I was expecting. It's listed as fantasy (due to the existence of dragons and the gids in the in-universe lore), but it was mostly about a son growing up in a political and very tense business family environment. He learns how to take on the grim and sometimes gritty business. Great writing style and world building, just not the type of story for me. This will definitely be someone's favorite book, though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Violence, Blood, Cursing, Kidnapping, War, Grief, Death, Racism, Alcohol, Animal death, and Death of parent
srm's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I love the worldbuilding, and faux-Renaissance fantasy is always a favorite. It got really dark, though, as in I wasn't sure I wanted to keep reading, but I took a break and then plowed on. Although there is hope at the end, it's so tempered with darkness at the protagonist's elbow (as he would himself admit), that while I'm interested to see how this world plays out, I'm not sure how actively excited I am to see it all end miserably. The writing is excellent, and the characters are very compelling--I just think I don't have the same taste for grimdark that I used to.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Violence, Confinement, Body horror, and Murder
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Blood, and Slavery
Minor: Sexual content, Alcohol, Animal cruelty, Excrement, and Classism
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