Reviews

The Bright & the Pale by Jessica Rubinkowski

harleyrae's review against another edition

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3.0

This book took a turn I was not fully expecting, or actually wanting. I honestly don’t know what to think of this book. It was very slow at times. I also had a hard time connecting with both the story and the characters.
This book could have been worse, but it could have been better. Very middle of the road YA.

dani_thebookdragon's review

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adventurous dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

sanne6je's review against another edition

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2.0

It dives right in the story which I sometimes can appreciate, but with no prior information, many things were unclear. The main character is annoying af and I struggled just to finish this book.

izzys_internet_bookshelf's review

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4.0

4/5

loved the characters and plot as well as the setting but I wish there was more about the world they are in and more about some of the characters

annamickreads's review

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3.0

3.5!!

I will admit my own bias precedes me because a few notable characters definitely reminded me of other books rooted in Slavic lore, but that being said, I really loved the unique twist this plot took!!

Honestly, I got a bit of a high-fantasy "Until Dawn" vibe that's both refreshing, terrifying and original. I love the idea of the Bright and the Pale gods not being quite as they're perceived, and I look forward to seeing Valeria get her vengeance for all the people who have wronged her in this book—there are quite a few.

leschroniques_delea's review against another edition

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DNF page 133/328

J’ai commencé en audiobook ce livre et malheureusement ça ne l’a pas fait pour moi.
J’ai pas réussi à m’attacher aux personnages ou à l’intrigue, je me fichais complètement de ce qu’il pouvait se passer ou ce qu’il pouvait arriver aux personnages. Je préfère passer à un autre roman plutôt que de me forcer à lire quelque chose qui ne m’intéresse pas du tout.

sha_'s review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional

5.0

amybraunauthor's review against another edition

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5.0

I went into this book blind and am so grateful I did, because it did not disappoint! The story is intense, moody, and dramatic, filled with complicated characters, betrayal, and ancient magic. I absolutely loved it and am eagerly awaiting the next instalment!

The story is set in a cold world with a ruthless ruling system and a touch of magic, the story follows a young thief named Valeria as she is caught up in a mission that will lead into her tragic past. The writing style is excellent at building her inner turmoil as Valeria confronts old truths about her life and learns that nothing is as it seems.

I found Valeria to be a complex character throughout. She has a lot of angst to work through, but I never found her boring or dull. Alik is a poor, tortured soul who I love and want to see more of throughout as he grows. He’s a cinnamon roll and I actually loved his angst as it clashed with Valeria’s, since their pasts have changed them.

The book was filled with tension as the characters continued their journey, with all sorts of terrifying peril blocking their path. I loved the slow burn romance, the world lore, and the atmosphere that filled every page. I could not get enough of it!

A huge recommend for anyone who enjoys atmosphere, tragic backstories, friends-to-lovers, betrayal, drama, and winter magic! Bring on the sequel!

scosey's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

allisonsmith120's review against another edition

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adventurous dark fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot

3.0