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beautifulminutiae's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Violence, Gore, Murder, Blood, Death, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Drug abuse, Addiction, Death of parent, Drug use, and Confinement
Minor: Sexual content
leedolee'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
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Medical trauma, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Alcohol, Panic attacks/disorders, Addiction, Cursing, Death, Murder, Blood, Body horror, Gore, Grief, Medical content, Violence, Drug abuse, Drug use, and Emotional abuse
annavdn'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
4.0
Major plot spoilers:
Small romance spoilers:
Another spoiler (TWs: Drug use and Addiction):
Nonetheless, I enjoyed this book despite the small issues I had with the book. I was very entertained and I look forward to the sequel.
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Death, Drug use, Drug abuse, and Addiction
cascannotread's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was a really fun new fantasy series based on Korean mythology. I actually wished the book incorporated a bit more mythology but it was enjoyable nonetheless, and I’m looking forward to the next instalment.
The Last of the Talons follows Shin Lina, allegedly the best assassin in the country/region. I say allegedly because for the most part she felt very unserious and immature for a supposed battle-worn assassin. Some of her so-called “tactics” felt cartoonish and amateurish. Her assassin skills aside, I did enjoy Shin Lina as a character and what of the most interesting parts of her story was her grief. Not to spoil too much but Lina suffers from survivor’s guilt. She starts the story haunted and broken, both physically and mentally and throughout the course of the story she learns to heal and find happiness again.
One thing that confused me about the story was the setting and time period. My e-arc did not have a map and I’m not sure if they added one in the finished copy but I feel it would be really helpful here. I never quite understood the geography and the different countries and regions of the world. At first I assumed the story was in a Joseon-like period but some of the descriptions about the other regions made the story feel like it was more modern.
Graphic: Addiction, Violence, Murder, Kidnapping, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Confinement, Gore, Death of parent, Death, Drug abuse, and Blood
cw: substance abuse, gore, death, mutilation, grief, hallucinations, kidnapping, parental deathlauren_miller's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I went into this book intrigued and came out utterly stunned. It is hands down the best book I have read all year and I am already itching to own a physical copy of it, re-read it via audio, and savor the story all over again.
Things I loved about this book:
1. The writing was beautiful; it was a perfect marriage of efficiency and lyrical fancy. It offered so much in the way of characterization and description, but it also never lingered too long and overstayed its welcome. Lina's voice was so clear and entrancing to me, hardened and strong, yet naive and hopeful. She and Rui both were so well-rounded it was easy to become attached to them.
2. The pacing was brilliant. There was a timeless quality to this story, like a legend out of time and space. Each beat felt appropriately fast or slow, never lagging or exhausting. I felt like I was able to truly savor the story as it unfolded.
3. The futility of Lina's position. Early on, it's obvious to the reader the utter despair of her position, and it's even reinforced a few times (the dagger scene lol). Yet somehow, in spite of all that, I still could not help but root for her—fan that spark of hope that she would find her way and succeed somehow.
4. The isolated settings. Sunpo was easy and visceral to imagine. Gyeulcheon was every bit the fantastical realm I adore in a fantasy—vast and yet tightly bound, isolated and yet just within reach. And the foray into Jeoseung was so. cool.
5. The twists and turns of the plot. Again, thanks to the futility of Lina's position, I truly had no idea where the story would go; each new conversation or failed murder attempt was unexpected and exciting. Though some things were a little predictable, the ways in which they played out were still new and satisfying. If this were simply a standalone, I'd still be perfectly sated. Also, the romance? I was wary at first, but the subtle push-and-pull was absolutely delicious.
I could continue raving about this book, but honestly, you don't need to waste your time. Do yourself a favor and please pick up a copy of this book IMMEDIATELY. You will NOT regret it.
5 out of 5 stars, ★★★★★
Graphic: Addiction
Moderate: Drug abuse, Murder, and Physical abuse