Scan barcode
A review by _isabel_
Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
5.0
She found herself fantasizing about a life not only without fear but without ambition. She would read, and go to class, and live in an apartment with good light. She would feel curious instead of panicked when people mentioned artists she didn't know, authors she'd never read. [...] She would get the jokes, speak the language; she would become fluent in leisure.
It's really difficult for me to explain what this book meant to me, and what Leigh Bardugo's writing does to me.
I don't think I've read an author quite like her, and I don't think I can name an author whose writing manages to pack a punch like hers: it's so damn powerful, and every single sentence she writes is simultaneously brilliant, incredibly poetic and beautiful, but also easily grasped and easily capable of punching a hole through your stomach and soul.
GAH, this series!
I think (and I'm saying this a HUGE fan of Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse) "Hell Bent" might be my favourite book of hers to date. It's incredible.
I inhaled it in a few days time, despite it being nearly 500 pages long and not what I would call an easy read. It's complex, mysterious, thrilling and gut-wrenching. I loved it so much.
Alex Stern's latest adventure was unforgettable. It's a quest and a mission and a heist and a (hellish) road trip all in one, and I adored every single step of it. I also adored Alex Stern with my whole heart. I won't lie and say I can understand every single one of her choices (I'm more a Dawes with a smidge of Tripp), but I was still rooting for her with everything I had. I love how fierce she is, I love how unapologetic and ruthless she can be, I love her more tired and insecure side, and I love, love, love how protective and loyal she is towards the people in her life.
And speaking of which...
I also completely adored every single member of her band of misfits. I loved Dawes and Turner from the very beginning, and we get to know a bit more of both of them throughout this second book, but Mercy and Tripp and even Darlington (yeah, I wasn't the biggest Darlington fan the first time around, but I think I love the Gentleman of Lethe more when he's hungry and unhinged, and decidedly demon-like) caught me completely by surprise.
I loved them so, so much and I'm both terrified and excited for their next adventure together when we'll finally get to read the third book.
This book was a rollercoaster ride of twists and turns, mysteries and action, magic and puzzles, and I'm already preemptively sobbing because even though we'll have to wait a few more years before reaching it, I'm so not ready for the end.
It's really difficult for me to explain what this book meant to me, and what Leigh Bardugo's writing does to me.
I don't think I've read an author quite like her, and I don't think I can name an author whose writing manages to pack a punch like hers: it's so damn powerful, and every single sentence she writes is simultaneously brilliant, incredibly poetic and beautiful, but also easily grasped and easily capable of punching a hole through your stomach and soul.
GAH, this series!
I think (and I'm saying this a HUGE fan of Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse) "Hell Bent" might be my favourite book of hers to date. It's incredible.
I inhaled it in a few days time, despite it being nearly 500 pages long and not what I would call an easy read. It's complex, mysterious, thrilling and gut-wrenching. I loved it so much.
Alex Stern's latest adventure was unforgettable. It's a quest and a mission and a heist and a (hellish) road trip all in one, and I adored every single step of it. I also adored Alex Stern with my whole heart. I won't lie and say I can understand every single one of her choices (I'm more a Dawes with a smidge of Tripp), but I was still rooting for her with everything I had. I love how fierce she is, I love how unapologetic and ruthless she can be, I love her more tired and insecure side, and I love, love, love how protective and loyal she is towards the people in her life.
And speaking of which...
I also completely adored every single member of her band of misfits. I loved Dawes and Turner from the very beginning, and we get to know a bit more of both of them throughout this second book, but Mercy and Tripp and
I loved them so, so much and I'm both terrified and excited for their next adventure together when we'll finally get to read the third book.
This book was a rollercoaster ride of twists and turns, mysteries and action, magic and puzzles, and I'm already preemptively sobbing because even though we'll have to wait a few more years before reaching it, I'm so not ready for the end.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Suicide, Torture, and Violence
Minor: Slavery and Police brutality