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abbyreads23's reviews
18 reviews
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Graphic: Mental illness, Torture, Panic attacks/disorders, Kidnapping, Hate crime, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Slavery, Rape, War, Sexual assault, Genocide, Death, Murder, Gore, Medical trauma, Emotional abuse, Chronic illness, Injury/Injury detail, Self harm, and Violence
Moderate: Suicide attempt
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
The PROSE— wow. Rebecca has a way with words. This immediately caught my eye and I was highlighting sections of the book constantly because it was so beautifully written.
The main character is realistic, she’s vulnerable yet brave. She has weaknesses and strengths, both which are seen in this book. She is not a damsel in distress but there are times when she needs a hero, and I think that makes for good diversity.
World building is basically N/A as there isn’t much to be said since it takes place on earth but there’s some fantasy and magical aspects to the book. As an avid fantasy reader, it was very easy to understand but I think this book makes for a great introduction to some magical aspects for new fantasy readers.
The plot is good, there’s some mystery on what these fighting deities are going to do and very little is still known about them. While the characters face realistic challenges and real consequences!! Little to no plot armor.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, it’s been a while since I’ve read a book so well put together and to the point. There’s hardly any fluff, the author works to get you hooked into the story and attached to the characters.
Half point off because
Roman was perfect. He always loved Iris.
But Iris kind of hating him but not— I don’t know, it was a little confusing lol
Minor: Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Alcoholism, Death of parent, Death, Child death, War, and Blood
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This book has a large focus on character development, some better than others
There were characters whose storylines are unfinished, which makes me think SJM has another installment in mind as she’s usually good about wrapping up loose ends by the end of a book.
There was some plot protection that was just a bit too ✨convenient✨
& some others but those two were interesting.
Overall, the book still kept me intrigued and I enjoyed it. Not my favorite series by Sarah but still good.
It’s a classic SJM book, lots and lots of build up with the last 100 pages body slamming you lol
It’s worth the read, the whole series is! It’s witty, emotional, fun, and there are surprises and cool world building that I really enjoyed. Just don’t take things too seriously lol
Minor: Death and Sexual content
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
World building was strong and it’s got great aspects of fantasy that I love but character development was weak, and major plot points fell short of my expectations.
The ending could have been a perfect cliffhanger but it was ruined with the last chapter😐
It’s 3 stars because I like it but I do not love it. If Rebecca had waited 6 more months to curate the story, we could’ve had gold on our hands!!
Fourth Wing was a 4 star read.
I am disappointed Iron Flame wasn’t at least the same.
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Murder, War, Death, Violence, and Torture
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The first 100 pages of this book were annoying to say the least. I didn’t find the main character very likable, the development was sloppy, and I was constantly rolling my eyes at some of the actions of the main character because it wasn’t cohesive with the book at all. With that said… after the dragons got involved, the book took an exponential jump in plot and character development. I ALMOST DNF’d this book and I’m glad I didn’t.
I understand the hype around the book, it’s got a good story going and I really hope the second book keeps me hooked the last 400 some pages did. Overall, I recommend it and am planning on picking up the second book very soon.
If you like fantasy, dragons, and magic (but not faerie’s) then this is your book!
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Animal death, Sexual content, and Death
Minor: War
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I have read TOG in the “Romantic” way.
Going onto Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn as a tandem read.
I do believe, so far, that Queen of Shadows has been my favorite book though.
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: War, Gore, and Death
Minor: Miscarriage, Torture, Slavery, Vomit, and Sexual assault
- 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
4.5
I enjoyed it and it was nice seeing Celaena before she got to the glass castle and the backstory of her and Sam’s romance. This book helped fill in a lot of gaps on where Celaena adopted certain practices, also shedding light on how she’s always operated.
I sobbed at one point, which the previous books didn’t make me cry lol so I liked that, you know it’s good when you can personally feel a characters pain.
It’s a solid 4.5 stars, I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Torture, and Death
Minor: Slavery, Vomit, and Toxic relationship
- 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
Minor: War and Slavery
- 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
Learning more about Caelena, Chaol, Dorian, and Nehemia, there was so much to take in, I found the character development to be strong. I was so genuinely scared sometimes when reading I had to set the book down lol
The plot continued to thicken as well in a medium-paced way, there’s a bit of lax when it comes to building up the “love triangle” and then adding to the mystery. The ending surprised me, I really didn’t see it coming but I’m kinda dull and don’t try to figure books out cause I like the surprise.
10/10 read. Would recommend. You’ll love it.
Moderate: Murder and Gore
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I took an immediate liking to the main character, Celaena, and loved the slow-burn/tense romance, the mystery of the plot and overall how it drove the book forward. I read it in just a few days, I would consider it pretty fast paced.
I look forward to continuing the series and would absolutely recommend reading if you’ve enjoyed any other of Sarah’s writing.
Moderate: Slavery, Violence, and Murder