Reviews tagging 'Gaslighting'

Gleam by Raven Kennedy

78 reviews

riddle's review against another edition

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5.0

I found this series randomly and I wasn't expecting anything. The first book was okay (the last 100 pages were really good), the second book was better, BUT THIS THRID BOOK? WTF? IT'S LITERALLY SO GOOD!!!

There's a phrase in my native language that says "vine buscando bronce y encontré oro" ("i came looking for bronze and found gold instead") and it applies perfectly with this book. I'm so glad I came across it.

I can't wait to read the next book.

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georgiaisreading's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75


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kelsilep's review against another edition

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dark emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0


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jessannderson's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced
  • 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

AHHHH i don’t think I can wait till next year!! I rate this series so highly, it is actually incredible. The ending is so empowering and is such a perfect cliffhanger to a slow emotional buildup. Will definitely reread.

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alialioop's review against another edition

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challenging dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.0


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baexlee's review against another edition

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

2.0

This book was an improvement in some regards and a downgrade in others, the story was more complex and truly felt like it’s own book whereas the first two felt like a single book split in half. There was actually a notable climax to the story that carried through to a cliffhanger that could certainly convince a reader to come back. 

My problem lies primarily with loose ends and poorly managed plots/power explanations. Auren is a very cool character, but Kennedy’s description of her magic is inconsistent. In this installment it is a very prevalent plot point that ANYTHING Auren touches with her bare skin during the day will turn gold, however this is not accurate to the lore written in the second book and her life in the military camp. There were a few other things that just didn’t line up, or were waved away rather than being explained in the lore of the world. I hated the perspective of Malina and overall felt it set up an irrelevant and boring plotline that could have been easily introduced without spending chapters in an alternate character perspective, especially if the next book is heading the direction I think it might be. Overall it wasn’t a horrible read but I found myself slogging through it at the end and I am doubtful that I will pick up the next installment. 

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maziodynes's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful reflective tense medium-paced
  • 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

Absolutely amazing. The push and pull between Auren trying to placate Midas while also standing up to him and secretly rebelling was so satisfying to watch. Her growth in this book was compelling. The climax was so PAINFUL and suspensful that I stayed up late just to finish it. What a satisfying book. My favorite of the trio. 

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: 
non consensual drugging and torture.

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emilyvreads's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional medium-paced
  • 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

I wanted to stop reading this book for the last 20% of it because everything was going to hell in a handbasket. Did it get better for everyone? No, not really! But I liked the development and the way it ended and am waiting for the next book to come out

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chellbear's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional tense fast-paced
  • 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


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abby_spilk's review against another edition

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

3.75


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