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plumpaperbacks's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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? No
4.5
As soon as I found out this book was sapphic, it went on my TBR. As soon as I started reading it, I was intrigued. Every time I put it down, I wanted to pick it up again. Rutkoski has improved significantly since writing the Winner’s Curse trilogy, in my opinion.
I loved Nirrim and Sid right away. The latter gave me Nikolai vibes, as both characters have an effortlessly confident and flirtatious façade they only let those they trust and love see past. Though I’m not nearly as in love with the Grishaverse as I was a few years ago, I still love Nikolai, and I love Sid even more.
The girls’ interactions had me smiling as soon as they met, and I loved seeing their relationship develop. I felt their affection deep in my soul, and I was so happy every time they had a moment that brought them closer. The yearning, the tenderness…. be still my gay heart!!! Every single time I read a book featuring a sapphic couple, I get immensely happy, and by the time I finish the book I’ve got a massive crush on at least one of the girls. This time, it’s Sid. Holy wow. Girl thoughts. Head lesbian. 😍
I felt so bad for Nirrim, and how the two people she was closest to were so abusive and manipulative. Seeing her come out of her shell, learn about the world, and become her own person was so satisfying. I want to give her the biggest hug, honestly.
The world Rutkoski created was unique and well-written. Readers are purposefully left in the dark for most of the book, slowly learning more alongside Nirrim, getting answers that also bring more questions. Despite this, I wasn’t confused or frustrated by what I didn’t know; I was intrigued by the possibilities and curious to see how she would tie everything together. In the end, there were multiple things revealed that I in no way saw coming. While not the most mind-blowing twists I’ve come across, they were still surprising, and set the stage nicely for the sequel.
Speaking of the sequel, I’m anticipating pain. Between the current state of Nirrim and Sid’s relationship and the events of the epilogue, I’m concerned. Very concerned. Also, the second book’s title makes sense now, and although I’m looking forward to said book, I just have a bad feeling. Like, I’m excited, but there’s a feeling of dread in the pit of my stomach, because I’m desperately hoping for good things but expecting bad things.
I wouldn’t call this a new favorite, but it’s certainly a story I thoroughly enjoyed and would highly recommend. Fingers crossed I can read the next book sooner rather than later!!
Representation
I loved Nirrim and Sid right away. The latter gave me Nikolai vibes, as both characters have an effortlessly confident and flirtatious façade they only let those they trust and love see past. Though I’m not nearly as in love with the Grishaverse as I was a few years ago, I still love Nikolai, and I love Sid even more.
The girls’ interactions had me smiling as soon as they met, and I loved seeing their relationship develop. I felt their affection deep in my soul, and I was so happy every time they had a moment that brought them closer. The yearning, the tenderness…. be still my gay heart!!! Every single time I read a book featuring a sapphic couple, I get immensely happy, and by the time I finish the book I’ve got a massive crush on at least one of the girls. This time, it’s Sid. Holy wow. Girl thoughts. Head lesbian. 😍
I felt so bad for Nirrim, and how the two people she was closest to were so abusive and manipulative. Seeing her come out of her shell, learn about the world, and become her own person was so satisfying. I want to give her the biggest hug, honestly.
The world Rutkoski created was unique and well-written. Readers are purposefully left in the dark for most of the book, slowly learning more alongside Nirrim, getting answers that also bring more questions. Despite this, I wasn’t confused or frustrated by what I didn’t know; I was intrigued by the possibilities and curious to see how she would tie everything together. In the end, there were multiple things revealed that I in no way saw coming. While not the most mind-blowing twists I’ve come across, they were still surprising, and set the stage nicely for the sequel.
Speaking of the sequel, I’m anticipating pain. Between the current state of Nirrim and Sid’s relationship and the events of the epilogue, I’m concerned. Very concerned. Also, the second book’s title makes sense now, and although I’m looking forward to said book, I just have a bad feeling. Like, I’m excited, but there’s a feeling of dread in the pit of my stomach, because I’m desperately hoping for good things but expecting bad things.
I wouldn’t call this a new favorite, but it’s certainly a story I thoroughly enjoyed and would highly recommend. Fingers crossed I can read the next book sooner rather than later!!
Representation
- sapphic protagonist of color
- biracial lesbian love interest
- sapphic romance (f/f)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, and Homophobia
Moderate: Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, and Gaslighting
Minor: Terminal illness, Child abuse, and Child death
Those tagged minor are mentioned throughout the story but occurred prior to it.zoemaleah's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
5.0
This book was so unique in both the writing style- the way the narrator tells the story- and the world building and fantasy elements. There is no info dumping in this book, despite it being set in a fantasy world, because the protagonist doesn't know much about the world she lives in. She explains only what she knows and only what she feels the audience needs to know, which creates an aura of mystery and interest that unfolds slowly, in a beautiful way, because of the protagonists initial reluctance to push beyond the wall that she grew up within. When you do learn things about the world, they are fresh and unique- different from most current fantasy books. From the magic to the culture to the mythology, everything is creative and feels original.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Blood
deadbookishsociety's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Trigger warnings : racism , classism , homophobia , physical and mental abuse , toxic relationships, parental abuse .
This book was way more than what I expected it to be , it's not just a fantasy world but one way too similar to our won , where rules are made , people are divided and a system that supports and prefers one to another , why and since when people don't know and people are scared to question or maybe don't want to because it's just the way it has been until Nirrim does , until Sid a traveler comes in her life and makes her question everything she has been through. Makes her question why was the world divided into the way it was between high kith the ones who get to makes the rules and everything they want , earthlings the people in the middle and half kith the ones that suffer all of the consequences, over work themselves for the high kith and get nothing in return .
Nirrim is our main character who has shown to have such an amazing development throughout the book , from a timid girl who thinks about everyone else before her to someone who is ready to rebel against the system and take risks to get the answers she wants , Sid our lovely Sid , she is one of those characters who just make every scene they are in so much more charming, with her wit , flirtiness and mysterious personality she is one to look out for .
This book just in 300 pages was able to set up a magical world with characters so detailed that I was hooked right from the beginning to the end . So if you like short books with magic people and Sapphic main characters read this , read this , read this !!!
This book was way more than what I expected it to be , it's not just a fantasy world but one way too similar to our won , where rules are made , people are divided and a system that supports and prefers one to another , why and since when people don't know and people are scared to question or maybe don't want to because it's just the way it has been until Nirrim does , until Sid a traveler comes in her life and makes her question everything she has been through. Makes her question why was the world divided into the way it was between high kith the ones who get to makes the rules and everything they want , earthlings the people in the middle and half kith the ones that suffer all of the consequences, over work themselves for the high kith and get nothing in return .
Nirrim is our main character who has shown to have such an amazing development throughout the book , from a timid girl who thinks about everyone else before her to someone who is ready to rebel against the system and take risks to get the answers she wants , Sid our lovely Sid , she is one of those characters who just make every scene they are in so much more charming, with her wit , flirtiness and mysterious personality she is one to look out for .
This book just in 300 pages was able to set up a magical world with characters so detailed that I was hooked right from the beginning to the end . So if you like short books with magic people and Sapphic main characters read this , read this , read this !!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Colonisation, Cultural appropriation, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Gore, Grief, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Lesbophobia, Murder, Racism, Torture, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, and Violence
samthebibookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-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
4.0
Why to read- Fantasy, dystopian with magic, sapphic main couple, gods,
Trigger warning- homophobia,violence, toxic relationships, murder, physical and mental abuse, casteism
Nirrim is a half-kith, one of the lowest groups of people in the island of Ethin. They are kept separated by the upper caste in the Ward within the walls. The walls which are painted white with limestone. But why?
If you ask this question to the people of Ethin, they will simply say “it is as it is”. Who implemented the laws for the caste system? Who appointed the lord Protector? Who said that half-kith can't have particular things and more importantly….why are there no history books??
The answer, “it is as it is”
Nirrim is the perfect obedient person you can wish for. She’ll never say no and will do anything her mother figure Raven asks her to do. But sadly she doesn't even know when people are taking advantage of her. But she can see, see things which are forgotten and now are just mere memories.
But when she is captured for a crime she didn't even committed she meets Sid (or should i say, my darling princess who is gonna steal me, uhmm no back to review) Nirrim gets the idea of curiosity, a want but believe me questioning things in Ething is not the best idea.
Sid is the character I wanted to read so badly and Marie Rutkoski completed my wish, She is a mysterious traveller, likes suits and rocks them, has short blonde hair and uses heavy humor as a coping mechanism (not the best thing, but girl screams simp for me, and i do)
This book , please read it seriously. You may find yourself saying to Nirrim that please don't let people take advantage of you but her character development is so awesome, and she teaches you a very good thing
“But nothing is as it is. Everything comes from something. There is nothing and no one without a past.”
To question, in a real life perspective we live in a society where all the laws are laid out, people go through their routines without even thinking how this came to be? What is the reason? Why do we do what we do? Who made us do it?
I love you Nirrim just give me Sid pls-
But now that Nirrim becomes curious and finally knows the truth , she will take back what was taken away . Now that the truth is out, people are gonna pay for it.
Trigger warning- homophobia,violence, toxic relationships, murder, physical and mental abuse, casteism
Nirrim is a half-kith, one of the lowest groups of people in the island of Ethin. They are kept separated by the upper caste in the Ward within the walls. The walls which are painted white with limestone. But why?
If you ask this question to the people of Ethin, they will simply say “it is as it is”. Who implemented the laws for the caste system? Who appointed the lord Protector? Who said that half-kith can't have particular things and more importantly….why are there no history books??
The answer, “it is as it is”
Nirrim is the perfect obedient person you can wish for. She’ll never say no and will do anything her mother figure Raven asks her to do. But sadly she doesn't even know when people are taking advantage of her. But she can see, see things which are forgotten and now are just mere memories.
But when she is captured for a crime she didn't even committed she meets Sid (or should i say, my darling princess who is gonna steal me, uhmm no back to review) Nirrim gets the idea of curiosity, a want but believe me questioning things in Ething is not the best idea.
Sid is the character I wanted to read so badly and Marie Rutkoski completed my wish, She is a mysterious traveller, likes suits and rocks them, has short blonde hair and uses heavy humor as a coping mechanism (not the best thing, but girl screams simp for me, and i do)
This book , please read it seriously. You may find yourself saying to Nirrim that please don't let people take advantage of you but her character development is so awesome, and she teaches you a very good thing
“But nothing is as it is. Everything comes from something. There is nothing and no one without a past.”
To question, in a real life perspective we live in a society where all the laws are laid out, people go through their routines without even thinking how this came to be? What is the reason? Why do we do what we do? Who made us do it?
I love you Nirrim just give me Sid pls-
But now that Nirrim becomes curious and finally knows the truth , she will take back what was taken away . Now that the truth is out, people are gonna pay for it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Murder, Toxic relationship, and Death
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Homophobia
ceciliasa's review against another edition
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
I didn't enjoy the ending very much, it felt rushed.
Content Warnings
Minor: Cannibalism, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Sexual harassment, and Toxic relationship
make_believer's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Child abuse, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Gore, Grief, Homophobia, Misogyny, Murder, Physical abuse, and Violence
baponthecob's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Emotional abuse, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Murder, Toxic relationship, and Blood
wefeltforever's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use, Emotional abuse, Police brutality, and Sexual content
Minor: Confinement, Death of parent, and Homophobia
yvonne_cl's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
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? No
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Child death, Confinement, Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Medical trauma, Toxic relationship, Trafficking, Violence, Homophobia, Physical abuse, and Police brutality
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual violence
greendaisy's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The writing is high quality and the characters are well-written, my lower rating is more a matter of personal taste. The ending is sad, not thrillingly sad or bittersweet sad, just sad.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Forced institutionalization and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual content, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Grief, Child death, Murder, and Blood
Abuse dyamics aren't present in the romantic relationship but play an incredibly large part in the story so beware if that is not something you are ready to read.