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the_bookish_rose's review
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I’ve had this book waiting on my shelf for *a while*, so I’m glad I finally got around to it. I did not expect for it to be so dark, but the illustrations really make up for it! It isn’t a lighthearted tale, but I like the way it was handled for the main character to not be so much of a 100% good or bad guy.
My only wish is that I wish that some of the exposition would’ve happened sooner, since I didn’t fully understand the world building until I was almost done. I also wish I could’ve gotten to know the main character Maika more than what I got of her, but I think that leaves more suspense for the next volume 😅. I really like the magical system in the book, and I really look forward to continuing the series- I’ve been on a graphic novel kick lately and it’s really cool!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death of parent, Child abuse, Torture, and Murder
Moderate: Body horror, Self harm, Blood, Suicidal thoughts, Ableism, Death, and Confinement
hanarama's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
First off, the art is beautiful. I was first drawn to this book by the art. It's very elegant and expressive even in depicting violence.
I don't know how much I can say on the story yet. The first volume (issues 1-6) set up a lot of the groundwork for what I suspect will be explored later. This early on, the story consisted mostly of world building and character establishment.
The world building is very good and is what carried me through most of the book. So early on the characters haven't undergone a lot of character development so it's really the world building that gets you interested in learning more. There seem to be many secrets hinted at, just waiting to be uncovered later on.
This volume ends on a major twist/reveal, that I think is going to drive a lot of character moments in the next volume.
I don't know how much I can say on the story yet. The first volume (issues 1-6) set up a lot of the groundwork for what I suspect will be explored later. This early on, the story consisted mostly of world building and character establishment.
The world building is very good and is what carried me through most of the book. So early on the characters haven't undergone a lot of character development so it's really the world building that gets you interested in learning more. There seem to be many secrets hinted at, just waiting to be uncovered later on.
This volume ends on a major twist/reveal, that I think is going to drive a lot of character moments in the next volume.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Cannibalism, Child abuse, Death, Confinement, Torture, Trafficking, Suicide, Slavery, Self harm, Religious bigotry, Physical abuse, Murder, Gore, Genocide, Emotional abuse, and Violence
Moderate: Ableism, Death of parent, Racism, Sexual content, and Violence
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