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seregelda's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Book trigger warnings: violence, enslavement, death. I would add CW: undead
The story was more confusing than the previous one, but I liked the ending.
The story was more confusing than the previous one, but I liked the ending.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War and Violence
Moderate: Slavery, Trafficking, Blood, and Murder
bookhoarderbea's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
this was a solid 5⭐ up until i got to the last 20%
the plot twist was a little disappointing as i'd already guessed ara would betray simi. i already had my suspicions even before she said all those fishy comments about simi asking the ajogun for help so she could be with kola. it was something that sort of pulled at my gut(?) when esu observed ara for a little too long when they were in oko. i even predicted that ara resented simi for being taken by the tapa.
nevertheless i only docked 0.25⭐ since i liked how it ended. however, i would not be opposed to reading about simi meeting her parents again and also hearing about what happened to the yumboes. poor issa ☹️
nevertheless i only docked 0.25⭐ since i liked how it ended. however, i would not be opposed to reading about simi meeting her parents again and also hearing about what happened to the yumboes. poor issa ☹️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Trafficking, Violence, War, Blood, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Slavery
mattiedancer's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- 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
4.25
Writing: 4.75⭐️/5
The novel started off a bit rough, but it quickly cleaned up into some very clean and clear prose. She handles complex plot points with precision and foreshadows the progression clearly enough that you’re not caught off guard, even if you are still surprised.
Characters: 4.25⭐️/5
I felt like the characters suffered a bit when compared to the first novel. Now, don’t misunderstand me, the characters were still very well-written and well-developed, but they lacked a bit of development that I remember being so prevalent in the first book. Some of the twists and turns also felt a bit fast, happening without understanding the characterization that forced or pushed them in that direction.
Plot: 4.25⭐️/5
The overarching plot of the world and the novel is still stunning. I applaud how Bowen weaves serious topics with fantastical elements, maintaining levity at the right moments, and depth at others. Mostly, I felt the ending was a touch rushed in several spots. Again, I wanted a bit more time to understand the development, whereas everything felt so rushed towards a specific ending that certain sections definitely felt a touch forced. Overall, an enjoyable end to a series though, even if it was not perfectly happy.
Post-Reading Rating: 4⭐️/5
**Spoilers**
I don’t want to hate that the characters didn’t end up immediately together, but I do. Felt like a bit of a forced ending to have them not together.
Who Should Read This?
- Those who read the first book in the series
- Fans of The Little Mermaid
- Fantasy readers
- Young adult readers 14+
- Fans of mythology-inspired stories
Final Rating: 4.25⭐️/5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Trafficking, Animal death, Violence, Colonisation, Death, Fire/Fire injury, War, Mental illness, Murder, Slavery, Stalking, Confinement, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and Blood
sophiesmallhands's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, War, Death, and Murder
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Trafficking, and Slavery
mayy_y's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
4.0
I love this story. I read the first part sometime last year and I’m surprised I still remember the important parts from it.
I love the incorporation of different folktales from different parts of the world. It does a great job of tying the story together.
I love the incorporation of different folktales from different parts of the world. It does a great job of tying the story together.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Slavery, and Trafficking
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