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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: Addiction, Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Infertility, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual content, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Vomit, Trafficking, and War
cassalsace's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Torture, Blood, and Gaslighting
indra_s's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment
vita1989'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
5.0
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Misogyny, and Sexual content
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: Body horror, Child abuse, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Trafficking, Murder, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Bullying, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Body shaming and Mental illness
maziodynes'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
5.0
Aurip's relationship really encompassed everything I want in a romance. The fierce loyalty, respect, and passion they share was spot on. His encouragement and support for her when she was feeling the lingering effects of trauma was lovely. Juxtaposed with Midas getting worse and worse, and Auren finally realizing the full extent of how badly he treated her - masterfully done!
My ONLY critique is that the author often uses "male" instead of "man", which made the writing feel jilted at times (and wasn't something I noticed as much in the previous books). But like, it's fine.
CWs:
Graphic: Drug use, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Torture, Toxic relationship, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Addiction, Confinement, Drug abuse, Murder, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Misogyny, Rape, Sexual assault, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
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: Adult/minor relationship, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, and War
Minor: Child abuse, Rape, and Sexual assault
ceruleanshelves's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Body horror, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Gore
Minor: Torture, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
jeaven's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Confinement, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Torture
tashasbooks's review against another edition
4.75
We see Auren's character develop so much as well as her romance to Slade. I really enjoyed reading this. To anybody planning to read this series, PLEASE check the TWs. I added a couple in this review as well.
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Murder
Moderate: Drug abuse