Scan barcode
persephonefoxx's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
I enjoyed this book. It was a bit of a slow start (outside of the first of many of the twin’s childhood flashback, which were a lore highlight of the story). But I always falter a bit when it comes to high fantasy, it’s just not really my jam. But despite that, I really did have quite a bit of fun with this novel.
However, I am aware that the reason why I could get through some of this book’s problems (which I will admit were present) was that I am a huge fan of Campaign 1 of Critical Role. As I mentioned, I adore Vax.
While I had a good time reading this book, liked it’s characters, and enjoyed the story. I think it might lose some of its charm outside of the world of a Critical Role/Vox Machina fan. For fans of CR1: particularly Vex, Vax, and everyone’s favourite bear this book is likely to be a win in the sense that it is a fun little jaunt through the twin’s adventures pre-campaign. But it might not be as enjoyable by those who aren’t fans of the show.
Graphic: Death and Violence
Moderate: Racism and Death of parent
annemaries_shelves's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Kith & Kin is basically just a fun time.
As a more recent fan of the Critical Role world, I was excited to read a novel featuring the earlier experiences of Vax and Vex – two of my favourite characters (though really they’re all my favourites).
From a fantasy YA standpoint, K&K is nothing special or unique. But it is fun, with plenty of action, quips, (easy to figure out) plot twists, and emotional moments (especially the flashbacks). And from a CR perspective, it’s a fan-freaking-tastic time. I enjoyed some of the extra worldbuilding and gained a better understanding of how jaded the twins became by the beginning of Vox Machina. While the twins were initially on opposite sides of a larger conflict, I appreciated that the author didn’t drag it out and had them resolve their issues and work together – the strength of their relationship is largely dependent on the trust they’ve built and the open communication they (try to) maintain.
I recommend picking up the audiobook if you can – Robbie Daymond (aka Dorian Storm in Exandria Unlimited and early Campaign 3) is the narrator, with Liam O’Brien and Laura Bailey reprising their characters’ voices. Basically, I imagine Dorian as an older bard telling this tale to his audience. I will say - it was hard to contain my reactions to some scenes while in public!
Finally - I'm a big fan of Thorn and can’t forgive the author for going fade-to-black in *that* scene with Vax….
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Grief, Murder, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, and Death of parent
kayles514's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Violence, Death, and Gore
Moderate: Animal death and Child death
acetheticallyy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Violence and Death
perleerose's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
definitely better if you know critical role from the stream or tv show first tho, wouldn’t recommend trying to get into critical role by starting with this book
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, and Violence
tinytrashqueen's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Animal death, and Violence
rachaellann'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? It's complicated
4.75
Graphic: Murder and Violence
bekahmccue's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
3.5
Moderate: Violence
the_librarian39'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? It's complicated
4.75
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail and Violence
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Gore and Stalking
achingallover's review
- 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
4.5
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Blood, Child abuse, Death, Death of parent, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual harassment, and Violence