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audelidou's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-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
4.75
It's a solid novella, well written, and with some interesting characters.
The romance between Niko and Dimytr is built up in a great way, with just enough tension and small clues as to what is to come. I thoroughly enjoyed these characters, as well as Ala who is all around lovely, and complex, and resilient.
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!
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!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Murder, and Blood
thecanadianbookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-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
5.0
It's funny how I seem to gravitate to series usually, yet I have a growing love for fantasy novellas.
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Blood, Grief, and Violence
Minor: Death, Gore, Genocide, War, and Death of parent
tinumorien's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Violence, Body horror, Gore, and Death of parent
Minor: Mental illness and Suicidal thoughts
nicmay's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
4.0
I went into this book completely blind. I received the e-arc from Tor publishing for free and immediately started reading just based off author alone. It was a little rough at first, felt a little like I was crash landed in the middle of a preexisting storyline, but once I got the hang of what journey we were on, I was all in. Thanks to Tor for the opportunity to read this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Blood
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