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evilcallie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
I have very mixed feelings about this book. I wanted very much to like it, and I do find the story itself to be interesting and unique. However, I do think there are a lot of flaws in the writing of it that, at least when listening to it, really stand out and heavily reduced my enjoyment of it. I ended up listening to it on 1.75 speed just to finish it.
The story itself, a society where some of the women have "tainted blood" that identify them as demons, that is also fighting off a race of creatures that seem to attack humans without cause, was interesting. The beginning of the book was, for me, actually really strong in establishing the world and society that the main character is a part of. It was once the main character, her mentor, and her soon-to-be best friend arrive in the capital that the book slowed down, and the flaws that were not as visible in the first several chapters became really prominant.
One of the biggest challenges I have with the book is that the main character doesn't really have any character growth. Yeah, her allegiances do change in the book, but they don't seem to come from any real internal growth, but from an "oh, these people have told me something that differs from what other people told me, this new thing must be true" split second decision. She sometimes in the story has flashes of questioning, but those are immediately ignored and never thought about again, at least in what we see, so when the climax of the story happens, it just... doesn't really feel real.
There are also writing inconsistencies in the book, including moments where the character seems to learn, or thinks about, something that she had learned chapters or pages earlier.
I haven't decided whether I will read the next book when it comes out.
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Misogyny, and Violence
Minor: Sexual violence and Trafficking
katiebennettwrites's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Child abuse and Death
danni_chambers67'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
The world building was amazing I really believed the place and in the society. And thought, it had interesting themes in the world and in the book. The history of the world felt developed and easy to believe and understand. The writing style was amazing and helped me love the characters and the world.
I loved the inclusion. And the discussion of certain themes such as feminism, racism, there were several POC characters, and LGBT+ characters. The was a lot of diversity in the book.
My only complaint and why it is not five stars is too do with the ending and revelations.
Overall, I loved the book and the themes. I would really recommend and really think it is worth a read.
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Pedophilia, Racism, Rape, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, and Trafficking
Moderate: Genocide, Gore, Blood, and Death of parent
breading_books's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Child abuse, Gore, Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Torture, Trafficking, and Religious bigotry
theforgottenstoryteller's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Torture, and Blood
Minor: Rape and Sexual violence
olivialandryxo's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This is one of the most unique, immersive stories I’ve read in some time. Forna created a brilliantly intricate world that, despite a few basic similarities to other fictional worlds, is overall unlike any I’ve read about before. The mythology is so vivid it nearly seems real, the creatures and setting so impressively creative, yet none of it is confusing or difficult to understand.
Forna outdid herself writing a complex, diverse and lovable cast of characters. Deka is a protagonist I rooted for as soon as I met her, and it took very little time for me to be equally charmed by her friends, Britta, Belcalis, and Adwapa. These girls have endured so many hardships and gotten stronger because of them, without losing their vulnerability or the best parts of their personalities. Not only were they all great on their own, but their friendship was phenomenal and so heartwarming. One of the best girl squads I’ve ever read about, undeniably.
I would say the romance was one of the best parts, but honestly, every part of this book could be described the same way. The romance is subtle until the final third of the book, when it becomes clear that Deka and Keita have feelings for each other that go beyond friendship. Their slow-burn romance is memorable because it’s written differently than those in so many other books. It’s focused not on passion and lust but a deep connection between two people, a tender, unwavering affection. I love them so much, more than I can express.
Although the ending was emotional in numerous ways, it wasn’t a cliffhanger, and I appreciate that very much. Even without one, I’m extremely eager for the second book. I’ll be eagerly awaiting any scrap of news I can find.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s spectacular in every aspect, and the fact that it’s Forna’s debut novel is mind-blowing. I can definitely see the Deathless trilogy becoming an all-time favorite, since the first book is already there. Highly, highly recommended for those who can handle the content.
Representation
- Black protagonist
- side characters of color (includes Black rep)
- sapphic side characters
- minor sapphic side romance (f/f)
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Body shaming, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Self harm, Sexism, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Religious bigotry, and Murder
Moderate: Drug abuse, Drug use, Genocide, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Alcoholism, Homophobia, Vomit, Trafficking, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
It can be very grotesque at times, so be careful if you’re squeamish.sararainsberry's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Torture, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Child abuse, Confinement, Pedophilia, Rape, and Sexual violence
gheron's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Torture, Blood, and Death of parent
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, and Trafficking
justabookworm's review
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, Blood, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, and Grief
Minor: Homophobia, Pedophilia, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
agileminute's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Graphic: Violence and Blood
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Gore, Misogyny, Sexism, and Torture
Minor: Bullying, Confinement, Rape, Sexual assault, and Death of parent