Reviews

The Brilliant Death by A.R. Capetta

jkherz25's review against another edition

4.0

I liked some parts, some parts were very slow, and some parts were too dramatic for me. By the end all I could think was “we get it, you’re a di Sangro.” But the genderbend-y queer bits were really well done, as were the bits on gender roles, and overall it was a decent book

mleetm's review against another edition

5.0

Interesting

So I think this is a pretty good book for preteens. It covers the whole gamut of feelings preteens go through, but in a fantastical package that doesn’t feel patronizing at all. It explores feelings of inadequacy, being uncomfortable in one’s own skin, self-exploration, and gender fluidity. Maybe the gender fluidity was a bit heavy handed, but again- spot on for preteens who aren’t sure of themselves, their sexuality, and their sense of self. Lovely

claredragonfly'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? Yes

4.5

m4tr1m0ny's review against another edition

2.0

It was fine. Cielo is far and away the best part of this book.

tyleriscool's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad tense 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? It's complicated

4.75

middlekmissie's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

I really should have liked this one. But the characters never seemed to let me in. 

luna_bear's review against another edition

adventurous medium-paced

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

2.0

bellaroobookworm's review against another edition

5.0

Wow. This was incredible. A wonderful take on magic. The gender-bending was well done--not gimmicky--and Italian folkloric tone was lovely. A thrilling read.

1kelsey_jw's review against another edition

adventurous emotional medium-paced

• 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

4.25

A good fantasy book if you are interested in a medieval take of mafia like feuding families. 

rhansen620's review against another edition

2.5

This started out a five star read, but then lost me around the 25% mark. As soon as the actual adventure started, there was so much info dumping, talking, making stupid choices, being obsessed other people's bodies (I was not expecting this and do no like this kind of 'romance'), that it lost stars. There was also a character death that i did not think was handled well - why wasn't anybody sad? In shock? It made me not care about that person, they became just a plot device 

I did appreciate how this story handled gender fluidity in a fantastical way. I did appreciate that the magic itself was a character. I think the idea of the brilliant death was interesting.