Take a photo of a barcode or cover
cortanasreadingnook's reviews
385 reviews
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Addiction, Child abuse, Child death, Drug abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicide, Violence, Gaslighting
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
- 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
4.75
Graphic: Ableism, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual assault, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Lesbophobia, Sexual harassment
Moderate: Rape
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Genocide, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Vomit, Sexual harassment, Colonisation
Moderate: Rape
- 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
4.0
First of all, compliments on the beautifully-illustrated cover! It intrigued me so much because the meaning behind it will never be understood unless you read it. I’m so excited that this is a trilogy! It was my very first south Asian fantasy ever, so the folkloric elements that played into the world-building and structure of the story were fresh and unique. Not only that but the queer rep was amazing, with one asexual female lead and one gay male lead. Witches have always fascinated me, but it was first time reading about the mayakari of Ancient India. This book is very plot-heavy, and leans toward the intricacies of the monarchy’s court politics. Told in two alternating, very slow-paced POVs, we ultimately see the story come together in the most beautiful way (absolutely worth it!).
I loved how this book doesn’t incline towards the romantasy genre, but is rather a high fantasy novel that discusses abuse, genocide, and the intergenerational trauma of ethnic cleansing. It focuses on the characters’ wrath, the yearning for freedom, and highlights that resistance is born from oppression and unlawful persecution. Additionally, the mayakari’s magic system was very interesting! I’m still looking forward to where the story is headed and the pacing was very slow which is why I understood why some readers might not have liked it. Thanks again to the lovely publisher for the complimentary copy!
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Racism, Violence, Colonisation, War
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Blood, Death of parent
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0