samanthabreading 's review for:

The Righteous by Renée Ahdieh

3.5

challenging dark emotional funny lighthearted mysterious reflective 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

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Ok so I thought the banter and tension between Celine and Bastien made me smile A LOT, but I think Mr. Arjun Desai’s growth and POV in this book nearly has that beat! I adored how the concept of home was also explored within a feeling, person, and place. I know the second book really expanded the world, which was fun and well done, but book three felt like a major departure, a completely different book than the other two. However, I did really appreciate the different character perspectives, fast pacing, and how Ahdieh touched on themes of ambition and its potential destructive combination with power. Overall, while I love a magical fantasy world full of light and dark, I did miss the Gothic, dark vampy atmosphere of New Orleans from the first book. I also missed the fierce and strong willed Celine. Though she wasn’t central to book three, I found myself almost little more annoyed with her? Maybe just me. Hoping for more rich, dark gothic vibes and a more on par Celine for the last one! 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Violence

Minor: Animal death, Sexual harassment