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rae_bookmarkchronicles's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
medium-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
4.25
Slow start but once things get going it's a fun time. Thought I had the twist figured out but I was wrong
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Murder
sophieamreacher's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
nutmegandpumpkin's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
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
3.5
~ Overview ~
Plot: 2/5
Characters: 3/5
Dialogue: 3/5
Plot: 2/5
Characters: 3/5
Dialogue: 3/5
Writing style: 4/5
Worldbuilding: 5/5
Setting: 5/5
Setting: 5/5
Personal Enjoyment: 3/5
———
———
I thought this book was enjoyable but it did take me forever to get through.
What I Didn’t Like:
• In my opinion it took a bit too long for the characters to get into the Greater Jungle (which seems to be the main plot point in the synopsis).
• There were a lot of names being dropped in the very beginning which made it a bit hard for me to keep track of
• I think the author’s clutch phrase is “Character A started to [blank] then thought better of it” (there were so many times that phrase was used that it became distracting)
•I don’t love how Koffi so easily accepts and finds out that she has magic now. I felt it should’ve been more drawn out / not so quick
• Not a fan of when conflict could be solved if characters JUST COMMUNICATED
• A bit confused by the end:Is Adiah dead or not? And in the last chapter there were times when the author wrote “by the time THEY reached the temple’s back door” when I think it’s supposed to be just Ekon? And then later he says to the old woman “Why did you help US?” Like am I missing something? Are these typos?
What I Liked:
• The first few chapters definitely intrigued me and although it took me quite a bit to get all the way through, I was interested in finding out what was going to happen next
• The writing was both easy to read and has some beautiful lines
• The world building felt well-developed and thought out (probably the highlight of the book for me)
• OCD rep
What I Didn’t Like:
• In my opinion it took a bit too long for the characters to get into the Greater Jungle (which seems to be the main plot point in the synopsis).
• There were a lot of names being dropped in the very beginning which made it a bit hard for me to keep track of
• I think the author’s clutch phrase is “Character A started to [blank] then thought better of it” (there were so many times that phrase was used that it became distracting)
•
• Not a fan of when conflict could be solved if characters JUST COMMUNICATED
• A bit confused by the end:
What I Liked:
• The first few chapters definitely intrigued me and although it took me quite a bit to get all the way through, I was interested in finding out what was going to happen next
• The writing was both easy to read and has some beautiful lines
• The world building felt well-developed and thought out (probably the highlight of the book for me)
• OCD rep
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Mental illness, and Grief
Moderate: Death, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Blood, Classism, Animal cruelty, Confinement, and Death of parent
Minor: Alcohol
shortsweet123's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-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
This book can feel like it drags a bit in places but the pay off when you get to the end is worth the read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Murder, Drug use, Grief, and Slavery
sophiesmallhands'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
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Animal cruelty and Murder
theespressoedition's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I'm still trying to sort out all of my feelings and thoughts regarding this book! It was really interesting and filled with so much emotion, but there was a lot that I didn't fully grasp.
I blame myself for the majority of lack of understanding here. I struggle with listening to fantasy audiobooks because I know that I miss a lot of the minor details that make the story come together. However, when I began this one, I was driving, which allowed me to almost fully focus on the book and retain all the information. I couldn't stop listening! It was fascinating and the characters hooked me. I felt like I understood what was happening really well.
However... about halfway through, I had to listen to it while doing things other than driving or cleaning, which mean my focus was split. This created a bit of a gap in my mind during the most crucial moments. I should've known that the second half was where it would need my attention the very most.
That being said, there were things that I missed that made me feel a little disconnected towards the end. This made me realize that for the sequel I need to do one of two things: either listen to the entire thing while accomplishing brainless tasks OR read a physical copy to retain it better. I really do want to comprehend the intricate story because it truly did interest me.
There were some great twists that I did catch and I loved that. I didn't see them coming, which is a rarity for me! I also liked the character development a lot, though the ending was slightly predictable in my opinion, as I've seen it so many times before in stories like this one. I'm excited to see how the sequel will surprise me!
I blame myself for the majority of lack of understanding here. I struggle with listening to fantasy audiobooks because I know that I miss a lot of the minor details that make the story come together. However, when I began this one, I was driving, which allowed me to almost fully focus on the book and retain all the information. I couldn't stop listening! It was fascinating and the characters hooked me. I felt like I understood what was happening really well.
However... about halfway through, I had to listen to it while doing things other than driving or cleaning, which mean my focus was split. This created a bit of a gap in my mind during the most crucial moments. I should've known that the second half was where it would need my attention the very most.
That being said, there were things that I missed that made me feel a little disconnected towards the end. This made me realize that for the sequel I need to do one of two things: either listen to the entire thing while accomplishing brainless tasks OR read a physical copy to retain it better. I really do want to comprehend the intricate story because it truly did interest me.
There were some great twists that I did catch and I loved that. I didn't see them coming, which is a rarity for me! I also liked the character development a lot, though the ending was slightly predictable in my opinion, as I've seen it so many times before in stories like this one. I'm excited to see how the sequel will surprise me!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Animal cruelty and Slavery
kirstenf's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Death of parent, Panic attacks/disorders, and Drug abuse
Moderate: Violence, Slavery, Torture, and Grief
vaniavela'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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Koffi and Ekon's lives intertwine after Koffi accidentally sets a fire at the Night Zoo. Now the two must work together to hunt down the Shetani, a ferocious beast that has been killing the citizens of Lkossa for years.
Positives Aspects:
Positives Aspects:
- The characters were well written and I found them likable, being that Koffi, Ekon and Adiah had complex personalities. I enjoyed reading the perspectives of all of them, giving us a different view of the kingdom and the story.
- The world of Lkossa was amazing, full of cultural details and vibrant descriptions. I would have loved to see more scenes in more interesting locations, such as the night zoo or the jungle.
Negative Aspects:
- It was slow paced, not much happens in the first hundred pages. Also, before reading the book I thought the animals would have a bigger part in the story. I expected more of that.
rep: Black/African female MC, Black/African male MC with anxiety and OCD, Black/African female MC, supporting cast of BIPOC characters.
cw: Blood, death, drug use, fire, injury detail, medical content, mental illness (anxiety/OCD), murder, panic attacks/disorders, violence, xenophobia.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Mental illness, and Murder
Moderate: Violence, Panic attacks/disorders, and Death
cemeterygay's review
adventurous
emotional
- 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
5.0
I adored this book so deeply and in a way I didn't expect it. The worldbuilding is so detailed, well-integrated, and rich. The other aspect I adored was both of the main characters, their growth and their interactions. It is incredibly rare where I enjoy both point of characters but I really did in this book. I also thought the flashbacks were incredibly well-done. I also loved the different explorations of trauma and indoctrination.
It was just a phenomenal fantasy that I cannot recommend enough if you're looking for interesting worldbuilding with even better protagonists.
It was just a phenomenal fantasy that I cannot recommend enough if you're looking for interesting worldbuilding with even better protagonists.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Drug use, Physical abuse, Death, Misogyny, Violence, Blood, and Murder
CW: Non-consensual drug use and abuse, Anxiety, Manipulation, Manipulative relationshipqueergoth_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-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
4.75
This book was so well crafted! It was an amazing read. The world was beautiful and the characters had so much to them. The plot kept me guessing throughout.
I did find it a little slow to begin with but it didn't take long to pick up the pace and draw me in.
I did find it a little slow to begin with but it didn't take long to pick up the pace and draw me in.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Blood, Death of parent, and Death
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Xenophobia, Religious bigotry, Panic attacks/disorders, Murder, Confinement, Drug use, Injury/Injury detail, and Police brutality