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bethy_joy's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
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
anastashamarie's review
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
⚠️ Warning: this one has a lot of childhood trauma in it.
❄️ As a character study of Wren and her trauma, this is A+. As an adventure odyssey, it's enjoyable. As a romantic fantasy, I kind of wanted more.
🏰 I wish the romance burned a little slower. I LOVE friends-to-lovers, but I don't think it had the chemistry I was seeking. There was also a surprising about of plot armor, and at times, it felt like the book was rushed, not in terms of pacing (pacing was actually pretty good) but in terms of publication? Like it wasn't as polished as a lot of Holly Black's other plotlines.
🗡️ BUT I love grown-up Oak's arrogance. I double loved the exploration of Wren's trauma and character. I loved getting to see Elfhame again. And, yeah, okay, even for my complaints, I will be anxiously awaiting the next one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Grief, Blood, Child abuse, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Abandonment, Physical abuse, Violence, and Death of parent
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Torture, Murder, and Kidnapping
Minor: Child death, Infertility, and Suicidal thoughts
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