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thenerdybookwitch's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Loved this so much! Such a great end to the story though I would love to see more books based on this world because I didn’t want it to end 😭 Can’t recommend this duology enough. Highly recommend!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Kidnapping, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Vomit, Blood, Death, and Death of parent
Moderate: Violence, Toxic friendship, Cursing, and Gaslighting
Minor: Child abuse and Emotional abuse
kyrstin_p1989's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- 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
4.0
I still loved the characters in this book as much as I did in the first one. The plot was not as well-thought out as it could’ve been but it was convincing even when it was 100% unbelievable. I loved the Greek mythology aspect.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Emotional abuse, Blood, Violence, Death, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Gore, Grief, Suicidal thoughts, and Racism
esme_t's review
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Murder, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Vomit, Emotional abuse, and Child abuse
shaipanda's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
3.75
I can’t decide if I should put this as a 4 star or 3.75
I enjoyed reading the ending of this story but it wasn’t as impactful as I expected and the ending didn’t make me emotional or anything for some reason
Overall though I enjoyed this story and I’m glad I read it :) both this series along with Cinderella is Dead are really well done
I enjoyed reading the ending of this story but it wasn’t as impactful as I expected and the ending didn’t make me emotional or anything for some reason
Overall though I enjoyed this story and I’m glad I read it :) both this series along with Cinderella is Dead are really well done
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Torture, Death of parent, and Grief
Moderate: Murder, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Vomit, Child abuse, and Emotional abuse
_bookswithkam_'s review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
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? No
3.75
Briseis & Marie are a back for round 2 with the Greek goddess Hecate and many others in this wholesome but epic conclusion to this duology. This story is filled with love, family ties, grief, growth, acceptance and so much more. Can this book break your heart? Yes. Can it put it back together? Absolutely.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child abuse and Emotional abuse
meaghanelizabook's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- 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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Blood, and Grief
Moderate: Cursing, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence
Minor: Vomit and Emotional abuse
platoniciris's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
These books <333
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death, and Death of parent
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Violence, and Murder
Minor: Emotional abuse and Vomit
azrah786's review against another edition
adventurous
4.25
**I was provided with an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
CW: grief, violence, blood, gore, injury, death, death of parent/family member, murder, child abuse, emotional abuse, kidnapping, vomit
--
Where the first book had more mystery to the plot, This Wicked Fate falls more under an adventure quest type storyline and I loved it just as much.
Continuing on from the exact point the story stopped at the end of This Poison Heart, we find Bri in a state of grief and shock with what has happened to her mother and with the sudden appearance of members of her birth family. Now they have 28 days to locate and retrieve the last piece of the Absytrus Heart in order to save her mother, something thought to be impossible and made even more difficult since there are other’s searching for the piece too.
Once again the Greek mythology was really cleverly woven into the story with the narrative also branching out and slowly introducing some of the more well known elements from the myths and legends. I really love how this has expanded the universe this series is set in because I’ll say it right now, if Bayron ever wants to revisit it and write other story then I am so down!
I loved Bri’s character more and more with each page I read from how she continued to hone her powers to her persistence to help her loved ones through all the unknowns and grief that were surrounding her. Inspiring and full of heart she has definitely become one of my favourite YA protagonists.
If you enjoy books that are full of adventure, mythology and Black girl magic, strong with the themes of family and sisterhood plus wholesome sapphic rep then this series is for you!
Final Rating – 4.25/5 Stars
CW: grief, violence, blood, gore, injury, death, death of parent/family member, murder, child abuse, emotional abuse, kidnapping, vomit
--
Where the first book had more mystery to the plot, This Wicked Fate falls more under an adventure quest type storyline and I loved it just as much.
Continuing on from the exact point the story stopped at the end of This Poison Heart, we find Bri in a state of grief and shock with what has happened to her mother and with the sudden appearance of members of her birth family. Now they have 28 days to locate and retrieve the last piece of the Absytrus Heart in order to save her mother, something thought to be impossible and made even more difficult since there are other’s searching for the piece too.
Once again the Greek mythology was really cleverly woven into the story with the narrative also branching out and slowly introducing some of the more well known elements from the myths and legends. I really love how this has expanded the universe this series is set in because I’ll say it right now, if Bayron ever wants to revisit it and write other story then I am so down!
I loved Bri’s character more and more with each page I read from how she continued to hone her powers to her persistence to help her loved ones through all the unknowns and grief that were surrounding her. Inspiring and full of heart she has definitely become one of my favourite YA protagonists.
If you enjoy books that are full of adventure, mythology and Black girl magic, strong with the themes of family and sisterhood plus wholesome sapphic rep then this series is for you!
Final Rating – 4.25/5 Stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Death, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Death of parent, Murder, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Kidnapping
betweentheshelves's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-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? No
4.5
There is only one way that Briseis can save her mother. She must find the final piece of the Absyrtus Heart, one of the most deadly things in the world. In order to find it, Briseis must learn about her family history. Turning to blood relatives that she's never met and learning about their secret powers is the only way that she can save her mom.
However, it turns out that Briseis and her family aren't the only one looking for the last piece of the heart. The fates spell out a journey, one that could lead to more tragedy. Will Briseis be able to harness her power and magic in time to save the ones that she loves?
Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury YA for an advaced copy of this to review! I eagerly awaited this sequel after reading This Poison Heart, because how could you not with that ending? I had to know what was going to happen next, and I'm so glad this lived up to my expectations!
What I loved about these books is the way that Bayron plays with Greek mythology. It feels different than any other retelling that I've read before. This is truly where she excels in writing because even though you might be familiar with the story, there's unexpected twists and turns that keep you guessing all throughout. If you're at all familiar with the myths here, you'll love the tiny easter eggs throughout.
And the characters! The combination of the world building, the magic, and the characters makes this a truly engrossing book. Despite a bit of a slow start, once the action picks up, it never lets go. You won't be able to get to the end fast enough. And then you'll be sad it's over.
It's definitely safe to say that Kalynn Bayron is a writer I will continually be watching for her amazing skill for retellings!
However, it turns out that Briseis and her family aren't the only one looking for the last piece of the heart. The fates spell out a journey, one that could lead to more tragedy. Will Briseis be able to harness her power and magic in time to save the ones that she loves?
Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury YA for an advaced copy of this to review! I eagerly awaited this sequel after reading This Poison Heart, because how could you not with that ending? I had to know what was going to happen next, and I'm so glad this lived up to my expectations!
What I loved about these books is the way that Bayron plays with Greek mythology. It feels different than any other retelling that I've read before. This is truly where she excels in writing because even though you might be familiar with the story, there's unexpected twists and turns that keep you guessing all throughout. If you're at all familiar with the myths here, you'll love the tiny easter eggs throughout.
And the characters! The combination of the world building, the magic, and the characters makes this a truly engrossing book. Despite a bit of a slow start, once the action picks up, it never lets go. You won't be able to get to the end fast enough. And then you'll be sad it's over.
It's definitely safe to say that Kalynn Bayron is a writer I will continually be watching for her amazing skill for retellings!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, and Grief
Moderate: Violence, Gore, and Murder
Minor: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Vomit
starrysteph's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- 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
4.25
This Wicked Fate was everything I wanted in a sequel. Kalynn Bayron continues to gift us with the best elements from This Poison Heart: a brilliantly creative spin on Greek mythology, a unique magic system, delightful flora descriptions and language, and some sapphic love (especially great to see between older characters!).
The pacing was much stronger here; we're gently reminded of where things left off in the first book and then the clock starts ticking.
There are touching descriptions of grief and loss, and Bri has such a wonderful support system of family and loved ones that allowed her to navigate her pain.
I don't think I've ever read a Greek mythology-inspired story quite like this. I don't want to spoil it by revealing who we run into ... but be ready for some fun surprises and to rethink old myths in a new light.
One big ick (as I mentioned in my review of This Poison Heart): the massive immortal/mortal age gap. This just makes me uncomfy. If Marie + Bri were really two teenagers, their relationship would be beyond charming and healthy and lovely. But Marie is 300+ years old and that imbalance of wisdom and power really rubs me the wrong way. She is depicted with the maturity level of a 17 year old, so it is relatively easy to forget ...
I love a well-rounded duology and this was such a fun + adventurous read that I'd recommend to teens and adults alike.
Thank you to Bloomsbury and Storygram tours for sending a copy my way. :)
CW: death/murder, death of a parent, grief, blood, gore, vomit, violence, kidnapping, mentions of child abuse & emotional abuse
The pacing was much stronger here; we're gently reminded of where things left off in the first book and then the clock starts ticking.
There are touching descriptions of grief and loss, and Bri has such a wonderful support system of family and loved ones that allowed her to navigate her pain.
I don't think I've ever read a Greek mythology-inspired story quite like this. I don't want to spoil it by revealing who we run into ... but be ready for some fun surprises and to rethink old myths in a new light.
One big ick (as I mentioned in my review of This Poison Heart): the massive immortal/mortal age gap. This just makes me uncomfy. If Marie + Bri were really two teenagers, their relationship would be beyond charming and healthy and lovely. But Marie is 300+ years old and that imbalance of wisdom and power really rubs me the wrong way. She is depicted with the maturity level of a 17 year old, so it is relatively easy to forget ...
I love a well-rounded duology and this was such a fun + adventurous read that I'd recommend to teens and adults alike.
Thank you to Bloomsbury and Storygram tours for sending a copy my way. :)
CW: death/murder, death of a parent, grief, blood, gore, vomit, violence, kidnapping, mentions of child abuse & emotional abuse
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Death of parent, Violence, Vomit, Blood, Gore, Grief, Kidnapping, and Murder
Minor: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Murder
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