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daniellestarredpages's reviews
215 reviews
5.0
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Moderate: Biphobia, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Hate crime, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Terminal illness, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death, Homophobia, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Police brutality, Medical content, Suicide attempt, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Classism, and Pandemic/Epidemic
3.0
I do think the world-building could've used a bit of work as the story went on, specifically the magic system. I felt the magic system felt a bit weak logic-wise as the characters started to use their powers more. While we did get a bit of history and some explanation regarding the magic early on in the book, it still felt a bit vague. I do hope there is a bit of expansion on that in the second and third books.
Unfortunately, I wasn't a fan of romance. The insta-love took the "instant part" to a whole new level. I think the author tried to compensate by tying their immediate connection with the magic but I don't think enough development was done with the relationship outside of that. So when the characters started to act a bit intimate I was quite confused as to how we got there.
I quite liked the idea behind Wren's mother and her history. Without giving away spoilers, the idea of her feeling restricted by her position and her eventually being "trapped" by her love is quite interesting.
Thank you to Netgalley and Second Sky Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Graphic: Animal death, Confinement, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Slavery, Blood, Murder, and War
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This book started off a bit slow, but that=nkfully it wasn't so slow that it impacted my desire to continue reading.
I'm glad Sohpie J=Kin included Rui's P.O.V. as well as the P.O.V. of "The Voice". I think these perspectives added quite a bit to the story. One detail about The Voice that I wasn't a fan of, however, was when The Voice had taken over Lina's actions, the writing wasn't quite clear on whether it was Lina's actions and thoughts or The Voice's.
While Lina's convictions and feelings towards her sister were very clear and well-cemented throughout the story, I found myself wishing Eunbi had more on-page time. While I as a reader connected with Eunbi through Lina's love for her, I think seeing Eunbi and Lina interact more would've imported the book.
Overall I enjoyed the storyline and character work in this book.
Graphic: Addiction, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Drug abuse, Drug use, Death of parent, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Rape and Kidnapping