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stormsbreadth's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Impressively boring for a book so full of tropes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
cateemma's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Physical abuse, and Child abuse
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Death of parent, Confinement, War, Vomit, and Homophobia
wilybooklover's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
4.0
Most of this, I adored. How tender and caring the romance was; how charming the two leads and their siblings were. The characters were well fleshed out with distinct personalities and I loved the delicious pining in the first half of the book. I thought the author dealt with the topic of abuse thoughtfully, especially in regards to the intimate scenes. Raff's family dynamics were great; I'd love to read more about Ash or Cecily in a sequel or two.
However, the pacing felt a bit off. There was virtually no plot for the first three quarters of the book (which I actually loved, as a big fan of 'no plot just vibes' books) and then a lot of action and drama crammed into a final act that was drawn out far too long. At times the dialogue felt a bit clunky and there were some jarring POV switches, which I'm attributing to this being a debut.
I also wish the early mediaeval setting had been explored a little more in depth. It was really just scenery for the most part and could have been set at any time pre-18th century given how little detail there is. There wasn't even a mention of the plague!
However, the pacing felt a bit off. There was virtually no plot for the first three quarters of the book (which I actually loved, as a big fan of 'no plot just vibes' books) and then a lot of action and drama crammed into a final act that was drawn out far too long. At times the dialogue felt a bit clunky and there were some jarring POV switches, which I'm attributing to this being a debut.
I also wish the early mediaeval setting had been explored a little more in depth. It was really just scenery for the most part and could have been set at any time pre-18th century given how little detail there is. There wasn't even a mention of the plague!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, Violence, Child abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual content, and Grief
Moderate: Confinement, Injury/Injury detail, and Animal death
Minor: Xenophobia, Death of parent, Homophobia, and Animal cruelty
anathema99's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
relaxing
sad
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
I'm crying. I think this is the first time I've finished a full book since I forgot how to read in 2020.
As much as I enjoyed the whole time Raff and Pen traveled together, this book shines in the later chapters when it all starts to seem hopeless. The way Penn's political savvy led to the resolution, how he faced his father, Johanna's actions, Raff'a survival—I read it in a day. He would've been good at ruling if he didn't give it up but I'm glad he did for how soft and hopeful the ending was.
Ash was my favorite the whole time. I thought he'd be some bully brother but he turned out to be much more. I wish we got more details on what happened to Leo and some more depth into Johanna and Lily. Maybe it could be a sequel.
10 fucking stars out of 5.
As much as I enjoyed the whole time Raff and Pen traveled together, this book shines in the later chapters when it all starts to seem hopeless. The way Penn's political savvy led to the resolution, how he faced his father, Johanna's actions, Raff'a survival—I read it in a day. He would've been good at ruling if he didn't give it up but I'm glad he did for how soft and hopeful the ending was.
Ash was my favorite the whole time. I thought he'd be some bully brother but he turned out to be much more. I wish we got more details on what happened to Leo and some more depth into Johanna and Lily. Maybe it could be a sequel.
10 fucking stars out of 5.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Violence, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Xenophobia and Vomit
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