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4.18 AVERAGE
4.18 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Violence, Sexual harassment, War
Minor: Death of parent
dark
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Now one of these stars is for pure vibes, because as Dark as this book was— there are some heavy themes and TW should be read— I loved this so much.
PROPER yearning!
ACTUAL slow burn!
MCs who are smart generally but dumb about their feelings/the others feelings about them are so endearing.
I’m invested in the side characters, and while I felt the pacing was perhaps a bit off— the last third of the book I couldn’t put down and was close to burning dinner while distracted by it.
I’ve loved her other books, and heard of the fanfic, so I had high hopes for this and now I’m riding the high of having hopes fulfilled.
Can’t believe that we have a year to wait! And probably longer for her next contemporary! Gah!
PROPER yearning!
ACTUAL slow burn!
MCs who are smart generally but dumb about their feelings/the others feelings about them are so endearing.
I’m invested in the side characters, and while I felt the pacing was perhaps a bit off— the last third of the book I couldn’t put down and was close to burning dinner while distracted by it.
I’ve loved her other books, and heard of the fanfic, so I had high hopes for this and now I’m riding the high of having hopes fulfilled.
Can’t believe that we have a year to wait! And probably longer for her next contemporary! Gah!
slow-paced
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
This book started well, though at first I was more confused than interested in what was happening, but very quickly as we see Briony running and Toven looking for her, I was intrigued to see who they were/are to each other and what Toven knows that she doesn’t.
I also loved how from the first flashback chapter it’s so clear how much attention Toven is paying to her, noticing her magical strength and suspecting her of helping her brother when no one else notices. However, the way Briony’s character is written is somewhat simplistic, that she’s so strong but forced to hide it for the sake of her brother, and could use more nuance. I mean, if I was so looked-over and forced to make myself smaller my whole life, I’d be pissed.
I did like how the author used dark themes and situations that would incite true visceral fear in the characters and their uncertain futures, though I wished that fear and their reactions were shown a bit more. Why wasn’t Briony more upset about her brother? Either sad or fearful or despondent, but she didn’t really react, not even after she was somewhat safe.
My main issue with the book was that for most of it, until the last hundred pages or so, the FMC lacks agency— some of which is understandable for her situation, but this got to the point where I was bored with her sitting around and wanted to see what Finola, Sammy, Didion and that group were up to, as well as what Cordelia was going through.
Honestly, it took me until page 213 to realize that this is Dramione, and after looking it up I realized it’s The Auction, which I never read but wanted to.
I also liked how the author lets us infer (though it’s easy to do so) that each time Toven says something like he had someone who helped him after heartstop, or he’s shown ignoring her at school, or doing anything really, that it’s always about her and protecting her. And she never realizes, the dumb bitch (affectionate).
There was one flashback toward the end that really showed how dumb she’s been even though she’s supposed to be so smart; Toven and Orion help her escape the school when it’s attacked and then this whole time she still thinks they are evil?? Makes no sense.
But anyway, tl;dr: I love the concepts but a lot of the middle of the book could’ve been cut, the chemistry between the characters should’ve been shown more throughout, and the characters and their motives could be more dynamic.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I was in a daze after reading this book. It wasn't a book hangover, it was more of a book high. The yearning and banter just gave me all of the endorphins. I kept rereading certain lines because it was just so good. I was giggling and kicking my feet. It is very dark and uncomfortable in certain moments, as well as emotional. I definitely get the inspiration and know now why all the dramione hype. This was different enough for me to be excited by the world and magic system. I love many of the characters, especially Finn. The tension and slow burn had me captivated the entire time!
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes