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jennaniho's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The biggest takeaway I had from this story was the dynamic perspective offered through the eyes of both Darius and Larkyra, while still keeping the latter as the main focus. Most importantly, E.J. Mellow's narrative beautifully captures the weight of their concealed emotions and makes them remarkably relatable, underscoring the profound lesson that, we can often be our own adversaries or we can decide to be our own saviors. Likewise, the world building is not too specific but not too vague; just right to keep your imagination going and still retain a bit of mystery of "what will come next".
Yet, the biggest focus "Song of Forever Rains" has is towards the lesson that our voice is our biggest weapon and ally; revealing that mastering when and how to use it empowers us to be not only assertive and potent but ultimately, happy and capable of facing even the hardest of challenges.
Yet, the biggest focus "Song of Forever Rains" has is towards the lesson that our voice is our biggest weapon and ally; revealing that mastering when and how to use it empowers us to be not only assertive and potent but ultimately, happy and capable of facing even the hardest of challenges.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship, Torture, and Blood
Moderate: Self harm, Addiction, Misogyny, Death of parent, and Violence
Minor: Abandonment
escapismforlife's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I loved the world and the sisters, Arabessa, Niya,and Larkyra. The Basette sisters dynamic is special. Their magic and how they use it is what makes their relationship in their seceret and public life unique, for lack of a better term.
This first book was very much centered on a different kingdom of Lachlan. One that the youngest sister Larkyrya made lighter. By following her heart to fall in love on a mission with Darius the lord despite what she's been raised to do in the Thief Kingdom. Which is a creepy yet cool setting compared to Jabari.
I love their relationship and how it occurred despite the conflict taking a back burner.
Anyways, the plot of the where the series is headed made me continue onto the next book. It was wrapped up nice enough but left a lot open where you have to continue on.
This first book was very much centered on a different kingdom of Lachlan. One that the youngest sister Larkyrya made lighter. By following her heart to fall in love on a mission with Darius the lord despite what she's been raised to do in the Thief Kingdom. Which is a creepy yet cool setting compared to Jabari.
I love their relationship and how it occurred despite the conflict taking a back burner.
Anyways, the plot of the where the series is headed made me continue onto the next book. It was wrapped up nice enough but left a lot open where you have to continue on.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Abandonment, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, and Grief
Moderate: Confinement, Gaslighting, Murder, Sexual content, and Torture
thereadinghammock's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
4.25
I love, love, loved the Bassette sisters and their supportive, and authentic sibling dynamic. Petty squabbles among themselves never once undermined the support, love, and trust they all have in each other. I actually used the notes feature on my Kindle for the first time pretty much ever and marked my theories and predictions (pretty much all of which turned out to be wrong, but that was entirely expected) because I was so enthralled by this book and needed to have those notes forever because reasons. While I don't mind the slow burn of Larkyra and Darius' romance, I would have liked a bit more of a stolen/secret romance between them, rather than just the last few chapters. As much as it played like a "will they/won't they" when we all knew they would, I wanted to see so much more between them! Though I did love that their first time together was literally the night before her engagement ball to his trash-human stepfather. It felt like the most wonderfully poetic "fuck you" to him I could imagine and it pleased me greatly.
The world of Aadlior is fascinating and I can't wait to dive back in with book 2 this fall as we follow Niya's story.
The world of Aadlior is fascinating and I can't wait to dive back in with book 2 this fall as we follow Niya's story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Addiction, Bullying, Child abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Self harm, Torture, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Abandonment, Death of parent, and Domestic abuse
Despite the pretty extensive explicit warnings, they were handled in such a way that as a reader, I did not feel truly uncomfortable while reading; however, it is important to know that gaslighting abuse from step-parent to child is a prominent theme through the book. While resolved by the end, and the character themself feeling vindicated, it's an important, but heavy plot line.
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