Scan barcode
a1exander's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Violence, War, Animal death, Kidnapping, and Gore
Moderate: Blood, Classism, Confinement, Death, Drug use, and Rape
shieldbearer's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
fast-paced
- 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? Yes
2.0
I really wanted to love this book, and I spent the first two thirds doing just that. The characters are wonderfully written, the setting (both immediate ad wider) is so well written out, the writing is beautiful, the pace and tone is wonderfully crafted.
But then we get to theFilaq is a girl plot twist in front of everyone, and that's when things started to go downhill. I don't think this plot element inherently couldn't work. I think the groundwork laid by having Amram compare Filaq to his daughter does a lot of work there, and her preparation to pose as a boy the rest of her life is an interesting element. But ultimately, there's not enough. We don't get enough about Filaq's thoughts and perspective on matters. We don't really know Filaq outside motivation. And the part where Filaq is raped by the baddie was bad enough, but having Zelikman and Filaq have sex for basically no reason after that just felt awful and put such a bad taste in my mouth, especially with Amram having called Filaq a child through so much of it. And the specific note about Filaq "carrying the seed of a king" just felt even more unnecessary and gross. I can't bring myself to give this book only one star, but those elements really ruined what is otherwise a wonderful story for me.
But then we get to the
Moderate: Rape, Misogyny, Mental illness, Slavery, War, Suicidal thoughts, Kidnapping, Islamophobia, Antisemitism, Child abuse, Colonisation, Violence, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, and Grief
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
cgracec's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
Moderate: Violence and War
Minor: Murder
erica_palmisano's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
The audiobook is narrated by Andre Braugher, so already that's amazing. The story is interesting and novel – I haven't explore Eastern Europe in the 10th century much before. The author's note at the end provides interesting context. The story isn't my favorite in parts, but it's got sections I really enjoy. It's just tough with the amount of misogyny portrayed to enjoy certain aspects of the tale.
Graphic: Gore, War, and Violence
Moderate: Misogyny, Xenophobia, and Trafficking
Minor: Torture and Animal cruelty
More...