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dramagirl2003's review against another edition
- 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
The Folk of the Air, but it was still good. this book is from wren’s perspective, so that was a change to get used to. i was bored for the first 45%, but to be fair i didn’t really fully get into The Cruel Prince until the last 40% of it either, so i guess i can forgive the rough start. not a writing issue but a me issue was that oak was literally a child in The Folk of the Air, so to read him as a love interest this time was strange and ever so slightly cringey, the same way i feel with younger siblings and their partners
thoughts while reading
quotes
I find them both disconcerting and fascinating in equal measure.
I am drawn to watching his face, as though through his dreams, I will learn his secrets.
Something is very wrong with me.
Graphic: Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Death, and Blood
Moderate: Kidnapping, Torture, and Abandonment
Minor: Vomit
marynograce827's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Blood, Child abuse, Abandonment, Vomit, Kidnapping, Gore, Alcohol, and Violence
Moderate: Rape
themichellegray's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
First and foremost, Oak's characterization was so wildly unbelievable compared to the beloved child we met in TFOTA. I understand this book takes place 8 years after QON and Oak has been forced into a dangerous position but there wasn't even a hint of the wholesome little boy we once knew. Nine year old Oak refused to learn proper swordplay and never showed an ounce of romantic interest in then-bridled Queen Suren. Holly Black simply copy and pasted Cardan's characterization onto Oak's teenage personality but toned down the cruelty/hatred.
Wren's storyline held so much promise since she had such a heartbreaking past to explore. Unfortunately, her characterization became convoluted amongst her confusing decisions and the forced romance. I never became invested in Wren because it felt as-if Holly Black didn't know how to explore the multi-faceted narrative when she's so accustomed to writing bad-ass female leads.
I went into this book expecting the author's clever twists and schemes but instead received a slow-paced quest and predictable ending. It wasn't as bad as the Modern Faerie Tales but nowhere near as captivating as The Folk of the Air trilogy.
Graphic: Body horror, Abandonment, Child abuse, and Violence
Moderate: Confinement, Mental illness, and Torture
Minor: Alcohol, Sexual assault, War, and Vomit
bethy_joy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Slavery, Blood, Violence, Torture, Child abuse, Confinement, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, and Murder
Moderate: Toxic relationship, War, Dysphoria, Vomit, Grief, Physical abuse, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Sexual harassment, Suicidal thoughts, Self harm, Medical content, Panic attacks/disorders, Pregnancy, Body shaming, Abandonment, and Cannibalism
vainnerj's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Graphic: Gore, Body horror, Child abuse, Blood, and Vomit
winterwoodbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
It's really fast paced, a little to fast for me, and here and there a little flat/on the nose, but it really fits the characters.
With it's easy, but still beautiful writing it's got me out of a reading slump and I adore this World!
However, I also loved the first book in the latest triology set in this world, but the other ones... Well, we'll see!
I liked this book and am excited to see where this leads :)
Also the art in it is gorgeous.
Graphic: Abandonment, Gaslighting, Animal death, Death of parent, Death, Classism, Vomit, Physical abuse, Murder, Mental illness, Emotional abuse, and Child abuse
lennie_reads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Violence, Murder, Blood, Death, Vomit, and Torture
lilithgreenbriar's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, Gore, and Child abuse
Moderate: Animal death, Alcohol, and Vomit