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A review by starrysteph
This Wicked Fate by Kalynn Bayron
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
This Wicked Fate was everything I wanted in a sequel. Kalynn Bayron continues to gift us with the best elements from This Poison Heart: a brilliantly creative spin on Greek mythology, a unique magic system, delightful flora descriptions and language, and some sapphic love (especially great to see between older characters!).
The pacing was much stronger here; we're gently reminded of where things left off in the first book and then the clock starts ticking.
There are touching descriptions of grief and loss, and Bri has such a wonderful support system of family and loved ones that allowed her to navigate her pain.
I don't think I've ever read a Greek mythology-inspired story quite like this. I don't want to spoil it by revealing who we run into ... but be ready for some fun surprises and to rethink old myths in a new light.
One big ick (as I mentioned in my review of This Poison Heart): the massive immortal/mortal age gap. This just makes me uncomfy. If Marie + Bri were really two teenagers, their relationship would be beyond charming and healthy and lovely. But Marie is 300+ years old and that imbalance of wisdom and power really rubs me the wrong way. She is depicted with the maturity level of a 17 year old, so it is relatively easy to forget ...
I love a well-rounded duology and this was such a fun + adventurous read that I'd recommend to teens and adults alike.
Thank you to Bloomsbury and Storygram tours for sending a copy my way. :)
CW: death/murder, death of a parent, grief, blood, gore, vomit, violence, kidnapping, mentions of child abuse & emotional abuse
The pacing was much stronger here; we're gently reminded of where things left off in the first book and then the clock starts ticking.
There are touching descriptions of grief and loss, and Bri has such a wonderful support system of family and loved ones that allowed her to navigate her pain.
I don't think I've ever read a Greek mythology-inspired story quite like this. I don't want to spoil it by revealing who we run into ... but be ready for some fun surprises and to rethink old myths in a new light.
One big ick (as I mentioned in my review of This Poison Heart): the massive immortal/mortal age gap. This just makes me uncomfy. If Marie + Bri were really two teenagers, their relationship would be beyond charming and healthy and lovely. But Marie is 300+ years old and that imbalance of wisdom and power really rubs me the wrong way. She is depicted with the maturity level of a 17 year old, so it is relatively easy to forget ...
I love a well-rounded duology and this was such a fun + adventurous read that I'd recommend to teens and adults alike.
Thank you to Bloomsbury and Storygram tours for sending a copy my way. :)
CW: death/murder, death of a parent, grief, blood, gore, vomit, violence, kidnapping, mentions of child abuse & emotional abuse
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Death of parent, Violence, Vomit, Blood, Gore, Grief, Kidnapping, and Murder
Minor: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Murder