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Reviews tagging 'Sexual harassment'
Shadow and Bone: Collector's Edition by Leigh Bardugo
33 reviews
wickedgrumpy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
The world building and magic system is interesting (if not semi-lazy with the quasi-Russian culture) but the characters are flat and one dimensional. I was waffling on whether or not to continue the series but the idea of what comes next from the main character's POV doesn't thrill me so I'll probably look up what happens instead.
It's bizarre that the main character starts out as an orphan from war (roughly 8 years old), and seems mature beyond her 17 years by the time the main story arc starts (she is an apprentice cartographer in the army), and then regresses into angsty teenager drama full of petty, juvenile, and shallow plot points because of a chosen one trope?
Lastly, the romance was bad. Both dudes are controlling and manipulative, want to possess her, don't actually care what she wants. Think of any high school romance drama and you will understand the tropes thrown in this book. There's literally a glow up/makeover scene (multiple times actually because they want to emphasize how much she's changed from the 'skinny-but-not-in-a-hot-way' person she was before).
Minor: Body shaming, Classism, Dysphoria, Blood, Bullying, Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Sexual harassment, Gaslighting, Murder, Stalking, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, War, Alcohol, Eating disorder, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, Slavery, and Violence
saradasarkar's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Graphic: Animal death and Violence
Moderate: War and Adult/minor relationship
Minor: Abandonment, Confinement, Death of parent, Sexual harassment, Toxic relationship, and Alcohol
eowyn_zoe's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Violence, and Kidnapping
Minor: Cursing, Death, Sexual content, and Sexual harassment
chloevienna's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Moderate: Animal death, Blood, Bullying, Death, Gaslighting, Kidnapping, Murder, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Toxic relationship, Torture, Violence, War, Death of parent, and Cursing
dlrosebyh'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
3.0
shadow and bone is your typical ya fantasy. it contains of course a love triangle, fantastic world building, escapism, and an old, attractive villain. regardless it being cliche, i definitely still enjoyed it. bardugo’s writing is impeccable— i always have a difficult time understanding the first chapters of her books, but once you grasp it, you’d be amazed with the world building. if it didn’t have cliche elements, i would probably give it a higher rating. overall, i give it 3 stars. (i can’t wait to meet nikolai again in the next book).
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Adult/minor relationship, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Sexual harassment and Toxic relationship
Minor: Blood
maryjames's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Gaslighting, Murder, Sexual harassment, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Blood and Bullying
Minor: Death of parent and Rape
lupinschocolate_'s review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Graphic: War
Moderate: Death
Minor: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment
stephdux's review against another edition
- 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? No
4.0
Graphic: Bullying, Sexual harassment, and Sexual assault
chaptersonapage's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
We are introduced to the world through the eyes of a girl named Alina. She grew up as an orphan and now works as a mapmaker. Her best friend, Mal, grew up with her at the orphanage, and he’s a tracker. They’re traveling with the armies and about to make their way across the Shadow Fold.
The Shadow Fold is a blemish on the world that splits the country. It’s where darkness flourishes and light dies. It’s filled with creatures called the volcra, which are only to eager to snatch up anyone they come across in their midst.
As they cross the Fold, a massive attack comes from the volcra. All seems to be lost with everyone getting slaughtered, but as the last rays of hope start to fade away, Alina unleashes a blinding power she didn’t know she had and revealing her long dormant Grisha abilities.
The world of the Grisha is very interesting. Each one has a different kind of power, and they’re categorized based on what they do. Only the Darkling stands alone, ruling over the rest. They learn at the Little Palace, where Alina starts her training. Alina is thrown into this life, and things come hard to her. Her power doesn’t seem to want to come forth, but she toils day after day, working to feel worthy of her new place with the Grisha.
I liked Alina. She made the best she could out of the situation she was given. Being taken away from the only life you ever knew can be hard, but she did all she could and grew into herself. She faced challenges she never knew she’d have, and she persevered.
Mal was also a great character. I loved the beginning, showing their closeness and how they care for one another. They grew up together and have such a special bond.
The Darkling was a mysterious character. So much about him is unknown to everyone around him. Alina has heard about him through stories, but meeting him is different than anything she’s ever imagined. He’s charming, but she seems to have trouble getting a proper read on him. I found him interesting to read about. I always want to know the ins and outs of things, so mysteries always draw me in. I wanted to know his true story, not just the rumors and fairytales whispered throughout the lands.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. Some things and parts felt like they could have been fleshed out a little more, especially closer to the end, but it’s still a great book. I’m interested to see the direction the next book takes!
Graphic: Animal death, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship
Minor: Genocide, Kidnapping, Murder, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Violence
leahmeeko's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Animal death, Blood, and Death
Minor: Sexual content and Sexual harassment