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a_libra_library'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? N/A
4.0
Graphic: Child death, Classism, Child abuse, Death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Abandonment, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Bullying, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Blood, and Grief
theespressoedition's review against another edition
- 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
2.5
This was one of those duologies that had a strong start that very quickly became a story that dragged way more than was necessary. When I finished the first book, I felt discouraged that I didn't love it, but I wanted to give the sequel a chance to redeem everything for me. Sadly, the sequel only made me more disinterested in everything.
The characters never felt particularly likable. The storyline was really cyclical and slow. And overall, I was just thoroughly unimpressed by how little I even retained. Maybe I was just not in the right mood for this kind of lore? I'm not sure. It reminded me of some books that I love but it just didn't have the oomph it needed to make me totally entranced from beginning to end.
Graphic: Blood, Death, Mental illness, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Torture, and Violence
Moderate: Child abuse and Child death
jupiterlee's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Minor: Child abuse, Xenophobia, Mental illness, Murder, Misogyny, Genocide, War, Violence, and Panic attacks/disorders
katsbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
“B-But . . . what good is a v-voice with no st-story to tell?”
“The only thing more powerful than a wish is a purpose.”
This was an outstanding follow-up to Raybearer. I love this duology with my whole heart. I'm not kidding. The found family Tarisai finds in the council is so heart-warming. I loved all the truly warm relationships and support she had. The ojiji were a great metaphor for depression and I really appreciated that representation. It made the Underworld chapters so much more intense and believable. I also really enjoyed the commentaries on power and resistance. I think it was very timely given the world events of the last two years. This duology is going to live rent-free in my head for a long time. I can't recommend it enough. I loved it so much I can’t even come up with a half-decent review other than, “Please just go read it.”
Moderate: Blood, Violence, Child abuse, Child death, Classism, Death, Genocide, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and War
overbooked207'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
1st book of February 2022 and 11th of the year:
I absolutely LOVED this duology, and this was such a perfect conclusion to the story! Once again, the writing, story, and world building were beautiful, immersive, and expansive; the audiobook was beautifully done; the characters were strong, badass, caring, and new favorites of all time, and I love them with all my heart; the representation was great; the quotes and themes were fantastic and important; and I loved the found family aspect so much! These books are definitely two of my new favorite books of all time, and I want everyone to read them! Also, they’re getting adapted, and I couldn’t be more excited! TW for death, murder, blood, war, anxiety, panic attacks, parental neglect and abuse, drug & alcohol use, ableism, suicidal thoughts, negative self image, grief, gaslighting, injuries, misogyny, and violence📚💜🏳️🌈
Graphic: Alcohol, Torture, Grief, Abandonment, Ableism, Blood, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Suicidal thoughts, Child abuse, Confinement, Murder, Misogyny, Violence, War, Death, Classism, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexism
reading_in_pink's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Death of parent, and Child abuse
Minor: Child death
ofbooksandechos'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
Graphic: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, and Violence
Moderate: Child abuse and Child death
puttingwingsonwords'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: Blood, Child death, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Alcohol, Child abuse, Death of parent, Drug use, Genocide, Grief, Misogyny, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, and Violence
Minor: Sexual content
betweentheshelves'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
4.5
Overall, the pace in this book was faster than the first, probably because a lot of the world building happened in the first book. Not only did this sequel expand on what we already know from the first book, but it also gives us more characters to learn to love. Tarisai's arc works so well in this book, as she learns to acknowledge her privilege and work to make things better in the future. All in all, you can tell this is a well thoughout duology that has a home in YA fantasy.
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Blood, Child abuse, and Child death
Minor: Ableism, Death of parent, and Suicidal thoughts
sapphic_reader's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Black main character
Lesbian character
Asexual character
Graphic: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, and Violence
Moderate: Child abuse and Child death
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Ableism, Alcohol, and Sexual content