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campisforever's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
There is, however, absolutely no reason this book should be almost 700 pages long. This one is slower than the other two, it drags, it repeats itself, and it includes points of view that aren’t necessary. Especially the last 70-100 pages, and the last two chapters (which are the same scene, word for word, from two different characters perspectives) are so slow and repetitive. I’m not into the “give me the same scene from this perspective now” because I think it’s lazy writing, honestly, so if I’d known I would have only read one of those chapters instead of both, because there was nothing additive about the second one.
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, Torture, and Addiction
Minor: Pregnancy and Trafficking
kotahlotah's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Gore, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Addiction, Alcohol, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Grief, Infertility, Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, Confinement, Pregnancy, Toxic relationship, and Torture
Minor: Vomit, Trafficking, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, and War
viennajury'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
4.0
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Drug use
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Child abuse, and Rape
sam019's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Kidnapping, Murder, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, and Toxic relationship
michellemaas'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
5.0
Second Read: 5 - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I've seen a few other people say it as well, but I'll reiterate in case you missed it: best book in the series BY FAR! So many plot points finally came to rise in this installment, including but not limited too, Malina's rule, Rip and Auren's relationship, and Midas's relationship with Auren. There were also another few plot twists that were masterfully done, so that's something to look forward to.
Going on to some specifics, we'll start with AuRip. Kennedy has been teasing us with their undeniable sexual tension and chemistry since book one, so having that be resolved in Gleam was so satisfying. I enjoyed that their relationship wasn't immediately perfect and that Auren's feelings for Midas weren't immediately resolved as soon as Rip came into her life. Also, we get arguably one of the most iconic "Who did this to you?" scenes ever, so immediate props for that.
Next, I want to discuss the multiple point-of-views. Kennedy has been including multiple perspectives in this series since book 1, but this is the first book where I felt that truly added something to the stories. We got chapters from Auren, Midas, Rip, and Malina's perspectives and Kennedy did a masterful job of conveying each character's essence in their chapter. At the end of the book, we also get the climax told from both Auren and Rip's point-of-view which was especially cool as we always wonder what's going on in the other main charter' head when something big happens.
Then there was the inclusion of "the wrath". We got to see quite a bit more on them in Gleam and it was very refreshing. They are without a doubt some of the best charters in the series so having them be featured more was a definite highlight. I am crossing my fingers that some of them (I am totally talking about Lu) get their own chapters told from their perspectives in the next book.
I also can't do this review without mentioned Auren's meltdown. LEGENDARY I say. It was so well written and such a perfect end to her arc with Midas. Everything about the scene was brilliant and I want to give a shoutout to that.
Lastly, I just want to commend Kennedy for the way she resolved her plotlines. She brought an end to several storylines that started in book 1, without leeching the plot for future books. The way she resolved the plotlines she chose to end gave rise to new ones in a way that was fresh and makes me excited for the 4th installment.
Great book and great writing. In case it wasn't clear, I am sitting on the edge of my seat until the next book gets released.
P.S. I am pretty sure I have mentioned this on every entry I've done on this series, but there are some major From Blood and Ash vibes to this series, so if you liked this series and are looking for something to read until Glow comes out, you should definitely give it a try.
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Trafficking, Child abuse, Gaslighting, Murder, Abandonment, Sexism, Body horror, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexual content, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Alcohol, Blood, Bullying, Cursing, Violence, Death, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Death of parent, Gore, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and Torture
Minor: Body shaming and Mental illness
chellbear's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Blood, Body horror, Child abuse, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Gore, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Death, War, Violence, Trafficking, Toxic relationship, Torture, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Sexism
Minor: Pregnancy
librarymama'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: Drug abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Adult/minor relationship
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, and War
Minor: Child abuse, Rape, and Sexual assault