A review by the_main_character
A Reaper at the Gates by Sabaa Tahir

adventurous challenging emotional medium-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

3.0

opinion 1: there were some parts I loved, some I didn't, some that confused me, and many, many parts where I wept, heart cleaved in two. for most of the series, the plot was sound and logical, the twists well thought and well executed, except the last book, which was all over the place. the characters hit the mark sometimes, sometimes they didn't, but they were likeable. most importantly, the series had a strong, unrelenting emotional pull, independent of its characters, something deeper and stronger  than just plot x and plot y. despite a critique here and there, I couldn't help but love the beauty of the story, the beauty of its villain, the beauty of creation, and the beauty of destruction. and that, I feel, is the most riveting aspect of the entire series.


opinion 2: know shit's bad when you are way more into the villain and the side characters than the world saving righteous main characters. the protagonists were lacking and passable, and the last book was a dumpster fire, but apart from that, this was an enjoyable series and a fun read, thanks to all the cool side characters, ruthless villains, excellent world building, and mostly well executed plot.