Scan barcode
iamsammie27'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? No
4.75
Moderate: Racism, Violence, and Kidnapping
Minor: Rape and War
emilywemily6's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
2.5
Graphic: Bullying, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Xenophobia, Blood, Police brutality, Kidnapping, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: War
chipotlemayo's review against another edition
- 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? No
3.5
Moderate: Death, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, and Kidnapping
Minor: Rape, Sexual violence, and Pregnancy
linnybear's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, and Classism
Moderate: Alcohol and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Rape, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
bookcaptivated'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? No
4.5
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement, Grief, and Classism
Minor: Rape, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
stitchbooks22's review
- 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? Yes
2.0
The idea of an enchanted library, cottagecore and cosy vibes with magic for a book could’ve been so good, but was executed poorly. I’m very disappointed I can’t lie.
The only redeeming features were the small portion of the enchanted library we got as well as the characters of Isla, Gryph, Grey and the fox who were barely in it. Milo also seemed like a sweet kid and I liked him despite his also limited presence.
I have mixed feelings about Lore as she acted like an ungrateful brat at times, though could be wonderful at others. Finn is another character I have mixed feelings on, but he is growing on me.
Will I read the next one? Possibly. I would like to see some of the characters again and see if the duology can be redeemed. It’s a decision for a later date.
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Slavery, Toxic relationship, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Colonisation, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
adafae's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
However, there are some negatives which I want to mention. Sometimes the language used is crass and take a leap towards more modern and not fitting with the setting. It also has some descriptions in scenes I would not expect to find in a YA book that make it seem that it might be better suited as the adult fantasy genre. There were also a few times where the wording or sentences structure throw me off or consistencies where changed like the scent of someone changing when mentioned but always said as their familiar scent.
Overall I enjoyed the book, I read it in no time and it kept me guessing. I cannot wait for the second book to come out
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Kidnapping and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Rape, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and War
naomi_k's review against another edition
- 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
2.5
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Confinement, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalization, Kidnapping, Colonisation, and Classism
Minor: Alcohol and War
booknerderika's review against another edition
4.0
The story started with a pretty steady plot and then it was one thing after another after another just all over the place. I kind of enjoyed it though, it kept my ADHD brain engaged. Especially as I tried to remember if things had been said before or if the characters were having a conversation about something new even though it was familiar to them. Basically as if I had missed out on some previous conversations, which from the pacing of this happened more often than I liked.
Aside from that, I enjoyed the characters and the growing romance. I went into this expecting a fun fantasy and I'm not going to be too nitpicky about it.
I will say I feel like the 2nd book will be better than the first, at least that's the impression I got from the ending. I'm crossing my fingers that that's the case because I like this story.
That ending left me shocked although it really shouldn't have. I think I just didn't want to believe that after everything the characters had been through. I was mad but also a little relieved that I could finally root for the other (no spoilers) without feeling bad for the first.
Graphic: Addiction, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
katrinaslibrary'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? No
4.5
I enjoyed the beginning premise of this book, it drew me in with its magic and wonder. Lore is a relatable main character, she’s kind and imaginative. However as I read, I progressively felt more shaken.
Analeigh has created a fae world that is dark and terrifying. Lore’s character as a young black woman in this world that imprisons humans makes the parallels to our own a chilling read.
The story balanced the two love interests development well. I felt that Lore liked them both and it made the ending even more devastating. *Spoiler alert* there are plot twists! I registered the clues but the plot twist got me. I’m sure others would have put two and two together.
Overall, this was one of my most anticipated books this year and it didn’t disappoint. However I would have wished I paid more attention to the trigger warnings for the book. Which I highly recommend you do.
Graphic: Confinement, Racism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Kidnapping, and Colonisation