Reviews tagging 'Gun violence'

Beneath the Citadel by Destiny Soria

4 reviews

dlrosebyh'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? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

People in the city of Eldra are governed by ancient prophecies. Because of the elder seers' forecasts, the high council has maintained its position of authority for ages. Growing unrest after the fulfillment of the last infallible prophesy resulted in murders and, eventually, a rebellion that lasted for more than ten years.

Cassa, the rebels' orphaned daughter in the present, is adamant about taking revenge on the high council, which rules Eldra from within the citadel walls. Cassa struggles to come to terms with the heritage of rebellion her deceased parents have left her and the worry that she may not be able to carry the load because her only companions are the no-nonsense Alys, the laid-back Evander, and the consistently underrated Newt. However, it might be too late for Cassa and her allies to save the city or themselves by the time they solve the enigma of the final infallible prophecy.

I didn't find the book to be in any way poor. The writing was great, the plot was interesting, and the characters were incredibly endearing and diverse. Don't get me wrong, I get why people enjoy this book, especially for the lgbtqia+ members out there; it's just that it didn't really stick out to me. Nonetheless, if you see a found family of teen rebels, I would always be there being their #1 supporter.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Death

Moderate: Child abuse, Blood, and Gun violence

Minor: Body horror and Addiction

emily_mh's review against another edition

adventurous emotional tense 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? Yes

4.25

This was a really entertaining read as it was just almost constant action. It had a diverse cast of loveable characters who shared realistic and endearing relationships with one another. The magic system was fascinating and quite mind-bending at times, definitely keeping me on my toes. The ending was also really satisfying, although I kind of wish it wasn't a standalone as by the end I wanted to spend more time in Eldra with the characters.

The only reason this isn't a five star read is that the beginning is quite jarring, which had far-reaching consequences. You're dumped in the deep end where the group of rebels have known each other for years and have been caught infiltrating the Citadel, which means the action begins right away before you get the chance to understand the characters and their relationships, which are already fully formed without your observance. It made me feel quite disconnected from them for a large part of the book and as such I couldn't give it 5 stars in the end.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Confinement, Death of parent, Death, and Panic attacks/disorders

Moderate: Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Child abuse, Violence, Gun violence, Grief, Child death, Murder, and Blood

Minor: Excrement, Vomit, Torture, Cursing, Sexual content, Drug abuse, Drug use, Addiction, and Alcohol

toopunkrockforshul's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I loved this book! I really liked the story telling style and switching perspectives and the way relevant things were revealed as they became relevant. The characters and world were super interesting and the story and resolution felt very complex and balanced, just like real life. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Mental illness, Death of parent, Death, Dementia, Confinement, and Chronic illness

Moderate: Addiction, Blood, Child abuse, Gun violence, Torture, Police brutality, and Physical abuse

angelareads's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense slow-paced

• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, and Violence

Moderate: Blood, Child abuse, Confinement, Dementia, and Gun violence

Minor: Addiction