Reviews

First of all, my lower rating is almost entirely my fault. I was under the impression that was an lgbt book, and while yes this does have SO MUCH REPRESENTATION, in my opinion it is not an lgbt book because the main character herself is not lgbt. Yes, this might be seen as nitpicky but forgive me if im sick of reading books with straight protagonists! Forgive me if im sick of reading books with lgbt characters only off to the side, or their lgbt-ness being something of the past, generally just being overlooked and only wrote in for ‘woke’ points. Don’t get me wrong, I adore the nonbinary side character but again, I wish they had more screen time (page time?). That being said, I adore this world. I love the world building, the magic system, the non-romantic plot, the combination of the black history magic and the white supremacy distorted appropriation of their magic that has been made to be the ‘mainstream’ version of magic in their world. I think the author really captured how white people are assumed to be right and their way the only correct way to do things without even considering the historic roots of the practice. It was executed perfectly, which makes me hate the gross straight love triangle even more!! Idk if ill read the second book so someone please tell me if our Badass FMC Whose In Love With Blonde Good Prince Secretly Falls For Morally Grey Dark Haired Bad Boy?? And if the prince turns out evil because corruption?? It feels very predictable but hey, mega points for an effective magic system in a YA low fantasy sword and secrecy genre, which has quickly become a new favourite as I fall into the world of Arthurian retellings!!!

hrunnels's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious sad 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

4.75

bibliobrandie's review against another edition

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5.0

Wow, this was so so good. This is a fantasy novel meets modern-day retelling and reimagining of King Arthur & the Knights of the Round Table that also addresses racism and the history of slavery in the United States. The author does all of that and creates an incredibly intricate world with one of the best female characters I’ve read in awhile (the supporting characters are also really well developed and likable). There are so many layers and twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat, I couldn’t put it down.

rcroberts's review against another edition

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adventurous dark hopeful mysterious tense 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

5.0

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