Scan barcode
radiocryptid's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This story feels a lot simpler than how many words it took to tell. Could have been cut down 100 pages but good nonetheless. Very interesting world but mediocre characters
Content Warnings
Minor: Gore, Sexual assault, Blood, Murder, and Sexual harassment
livreaderlife's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
inspiring
fast-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
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Death, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, and Classism
ashlightgrayson's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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? Yes
5.0
It was a delight to enter this magical world. I'm a sucker for portal fantasy and this setting explores three different worlds: White London, Red London, and Grey London. The characters all have distinct personalities, and they all piqued my interest from the start. Lila, Kell, and Rhy in particular make themselves stand out on the page. Lila and Kell have incredibly contrasting upbringings and there is a lot of social commentary pertaining to growing up with privilege and how that changes your outlook on things. Despite his more privileged upbringing, Kell still feels like an outsider in many ways. He has been blessed with the magic of a dying breed and has the love and support of his adoptive brother and parents. Still, he feels that the love his family has for him is conditional. This makes for very interesting character development for him as the stakes in the story get higher. Lila on the other hand, has never belonged and has been forced by circumstances to learn how to survive the world on her own. This makes her a great foil to Kell. She is one of the few people who treat him like an equal (other than his brother) and she consistently challenges him. It makes for a lot of interesting development in their relationship from strangers to friends. The villains aren't too far behind are incredibly memorable as well.
Additionally, the contrast between each London was palpable. For the scenes set in Red London you could feel the magic in the atmosphere. Grey London felt just as dull as Red London was vibrant. White London felt dangerous, imitating the tension I feel while watching a horror film. The descriptions really added to the reading experience and made it incredibly easy to differentiate the different Londons.
Overall, this book and world were fun, interesting, and made me want to keep reading. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series, especially knowing that Schwab is currently working on more sequels. If you enjoy portal fantasies with interesting characters and great world building I would definitely recommend this one.
Additionally, the contrast between each London was palpable. For the scenes set in Red London you could feel the magic in the atmosphere. Grey London felt just as dull as Red London was vibrant. White London felt dangerous, imitating the tension I feel while watching a horror film. The descriptions really added to the reading experience and made it incredibly easy to differentiate the different Londons.
Overall, this book and world were fun, interesting, and made me want to keep reading. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series, especially knowing that Schwab is currently working on more sequels. If you enjoy portal fantasies with interesting characters and great world building I would definitely recommend this one.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Sexual assault, Violence, Blood, and Sexual harassment
kinsportch's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Self harm, Torture, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Gun violence and Slavery
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Sexual harassment
oliverreeds's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
p good. the character work is incredible
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Misogyny, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
ellatuulia's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Sexual harassment
alysonemery's review against another edition
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
This book would have been greatly improved had the characters been given some common sense.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Blood, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Sexual assault
dariusmortee's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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? Yes
5.0
I really did enjoy this book. The story had the exact balance between comfortable familiar and new and surprising. It’s a story you know you’ll love if you’re into dark, mysterious fantasy with multiple worlds.
There were a few characters which we’re really interesting to me of whom I would’ve liked to learn more. But that also gave the right amount of realism that sometimes, someones story is cut off before you get to know more. Sometimes, someone doesn’t get the chance to tell their story.
I personally loved Lila’s character. Although I do not know on what this book will build in the next part, I am curious and willing to continue reading. Do I think this would’ve worked as a standalone? Yes. Is the world intriguing and interesting enough that it could give life to a next book? Also yes.
There were a few characters which we’re really interesting to me of whom I would’ve liked to learn more. But that also gave the right amount of realism that sometimes, someones story is cut off before you get to know more. Sometimes, someone doesn’t get the chance to tell their story.
I personally loved Lila’s character. Although I do not know on what this book will build in the next part, I am curious and willing to continue reading. Do I think this would’ve worked as a standalone? Yes. Is the world intriguing and interesting enough that it could give life to a next book? Also yes.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment
lavenderbluestories's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual harassment
Minor: Sexual content
anni_swanilda's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Torture, Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual harassment