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3.16 AVERAGE
3.16 AVERAGE
Loveable characters:
No
In general not my type of story. Specifically I’d expect a more feminist approach and a stronger female lead with a title like ‘Blood Queen’.
Well! This wasn't what I expected - I'm unsure if it's in a bad or good way.
On one side, I liked the writing and I was surprised at how interesting are the side character. The atmosphere were nice and overall I had a good time.
But we didn't get the bloodthirsty woman I expected to see... I mean, Elizabeth was barely even morally-grey to be honest? Not a good person for sure but not really brutal either. I expected murderous MC, I expected her to be a cunning, to be a merciless and vicious political player... instead Elizabeth is constantly manipulated and pushed around, her every move backfires, she always loses... I don't mind the protagonist in a story losing - in fact, it's important for them to lose - but I want a win once in a while, you know?
Reading this it almost look strange I rated it high 😆 But I really enjoyed it! I just looked forward to something else but even if the bloodthirsty female MC was missing, the book is still good enough.
On one side, I liked the writing and I was surprised at how interesting are the side character. The atmosphere were nice and overall I had a good time.
But we didn't get the bloodthirsty woman I expected to see... I mean, Elizabeth was barely even morally-grey to be honest? Not a good person for sure but not really brutal either. I expected murderous MC, I expected her to be a cunning, to be a merciless and vicious political player... instead Elizabeth is constantly manipulated and pushed around, her every move backfires, she always loses... I don't mind the protagonist in a story losing - in fact, it's important for them to lose - but I want a win once in a while, you know?
Reading this it almost look strange I rated it high 😆 But I really enjoyed it! I just looked forward to something else but even if the bloodthirsty female MC was missing, the book is still good enough.
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Not for me sadly. The main character felt like she was supposed to be strong and “girlpower”, but in my eyes she just complained, made bad choices and was weak. I mean she’s based on one of the most powerful woman in Hungarys history and still, this book was not the feminist story that I expected it to be. I understand that the time setting makes it impossible for her to be a strong and ruthless woman as it’s based in the 17th century but still one would have thought that she at least would be a little smarter than that.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Misogyny, Sexism, Blood, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal death, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Sexual harassment