Scan barcode
max_audet's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I was also impressed by how this novella explores immigration, cultural ties, and Christian imperialism. It is a captivating tale about regret, responsibility and repentance.
Moderate: Blood
gondorgirl'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? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Torture, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Religious bigotry, Blood, Body horror, Gore, and Death
natashaleighton_'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? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Blood, Violence, and Gore
Moderate: Death, Alcohol, and Death of parent
Minor: Child death, Mental illness, and Suicidal thoughts
btwnprintedpgs'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
4.0
In such a short time, this story built a rich, paranormal underbelly within modern-day Chicago; made me care immensely about its characters and get emotional over them; and tied together the fates of three people who seemingly have nothing in common other than being relative outsiders within their communities. I loved the writing and the depth we got from the characters despite the format of the story (or because of the format of the story?). The mythological depth was also well done - not too info dumpy, but enough that you understand each class/race so that you care and you can follow.
Am I back in my Veronica Roth era? Who knows. But I am now a huge fan of this book.
TW: death, mutilation, violence, murder, injury detail, alcohol, blood; mentions death of a parent, death of a child
eARC gifted via Edelweiss by Tor Books in exchange for an honest review.
Graphic: Death, Murder, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Alcohol and Blood
Minor: Child death and Death of parent
sarahweyand'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? Yes
4.0
I haven't read any Veronica Roth since my DIVERGENT days, and I was really pleasantly surprised! This was a fast-paced, well-written, fun little novella that I got a kick out of. I enjoyed the worldbuilding and lore, I liked the relationships between the characters that were as developed as you'd expect in less than 200 pages. I enjoyed the twists and turns the story took, and I liked the ending. Not much to complain about!
My personal beef is that I didn't realize this was urban fantasy, and I'm much much more of a high fantasy girlie. I would have loved to see a novel-length version of this in its own developed world, but I'm not complaining about what we got! If you've been hesitating on post-DIVERGENT Roth, I think this is a great book to pick up.
Graphic: Blood, Gore, Violence, and Body horror
Moderate: Death of parent
devynreadsnovels's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Child death, Cursing, Death, Violence, Death of parent, Drug use, Animal death, Blood, Suicidal thoughts, Body horror, Grief, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Animal cruelty, Alcohol, and Toxic relationship
pewterwolf'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
4.0
***eProof gifted by UK publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review/reaction***
Graphic: Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Gore, Death, Body horror, and Violence
Moderate: Suicide and Death of parent
booksdogsandcoffee's review against another edition
5.0
This books is so different from everything I have seen from Roth to date. I love the polish folklore mixed with modern day Chicago. It is absolutely wonderful and could see her winning awards for this book. And absolutely must read.
Graphic: Blood and Gore
Moderate: Violence
audelidou'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? Yes
4.75
The world building is well made, though it is kind of weird to have all these Polish creatures and references in Chicago. Still, it somehow makes sense and makes for an interesting backdrop for the story. The numerous mentions of spots in Chicago kind of bothered me as I know nothing about the city and could not relate to nor imagine what the author was writing about. I understand setting your story in a place familiar to you, but when the book has such a big, international reach, maybe don't put as many references as that: it will leave your reader more confused than anything.
But that's really my only gripe! I really enjoyed reading this book, the style was solid, the characters were fun to follow, and the plot was gripping. I will definitely recommend this book to others!
Graphic: Violence, Murder, and Blood
thecanadianbookworm'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? Yes
5.0
I love how much depth of character, and world building they can have in such a short time.
This novella is one of the best I've ever read, and I don't say that lightly considering I rarely enjoy urban fantasy.
Dymitr's story, told in the span of 2 days, is beautiful and haunting. I absolutely adored the dynamic between him, Ala and Niko!
The lore? Wow. I would absolutely LOVE to see more books in this world.
If you like dark, gritty, well built yet fast paced fantasy: be sure to check this out.
I won't summarize more than the synopsis does, because I truly think the best way to enjoy this story is by going in blind.
Graphic: Self harm and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Blood, Grief, and Violence
Minor: Death, Gore, Genocide, War, and Death of parent