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itziarvm's Reviews (385)
informative
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
But here's where the book gets interesting: its exploration of Black ancestry and historical trauma is powerful. Deonn brilliantly connects medieval mythology with the brutal realities of Black historical experiences. The way the protagonist reclaims her legacy, giving voice to those who were silenced, is seriously compelling.
The book's world-building feels underdeveloped. Instead of clearly laying out the magical system, Deonn just drops random hints and expects readers to connect the dots. The protagonist gets everything immediately, but for the rest of us? We're left trying to figure out what's actually going on. It's frustrating and somewhat confusing.
Some plot points felt questionable - like Nick randomly selecting her as a squire basically because he's crushing on her, or her own indecision about her feelings toward Sel and Nick. But the plot twists? Unexpected and genuinely shocking. The brutal death of Fitz caught me completely off guard.
What really saved the book for me was its deeper themes. The discussion of Black ancestry, the systemic erasure of historical narratives, and the powerful way the protagonist confronts these issues are way more interesting than the magical knight drama.
Would I rush to read the next book? Not immediately. But I'm intrigued enough to keep it on my maybe list. And please can she just pick Sel already?
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-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:
Complicated
I really liked this one, even though it’s quite different from the other Sarah J. Maas books I’ve read. The characters felt more serious this time around, but there was still plenty of humor to balance it out. I loved the character development, and I appreciated how everyone had a mix of good and bad in them.
That said, a few plot twists were a bit predictable, like Micah being the bad guy in the end. Some parts of the story didn’t sit right with me either. For example, all of Bryce’s friends lying to her because they thought she couldn’t handle the truth felt frustrating. And the sudden reveal of her huge power, along with the whole Horn tattoo situation, seemed a little too convenient.
Hunt’s betrayal, though—that caught me completely off guard. It gave me serious heartache for a few chapters. Even though he redeemed himself by helping Bryce at the end, I really hope the next book explores more of his growth and how he feels about everything with Shahar.
Lehabah was amazing, and her sacrifice was heartbreaking. I’m really going to miss her in the next books. As for Fury and Juniper, I’m on the fence. I get that grieving is different for everyone, but leaving Bryce for two years with such flimsy reasons didn’t sit well with me. I’m hoping there’s more explanation for that later.
The ending with Hunt being liberated makes me happy and suspicious at the same time. Now with that problem solved, it probably means many and more serious issues will arise, considering Bryce has many eyes on her and the attention of Aidas on her for whatever reason.
Overall, I really enjoyed it. It made me feel everything—shock, sadness and excitement. I will definitely read the next ones, specially if there’s a crossover with her other series!
That said, a few plot twists were a bit predictable, like Micah being the bad guy in the end. Some parts of the story didn’t sit right with me either. For example, all of Bryce’s friends lying to her because they thought she couldn’t handle the truth felt frustrating. And the sudden reveal of her huge power, along with the whole Horn tattoo situation, seemed a little too convenient.
Hunt’s betrayal, though—that caught me completely off guard. It gave me serious heartache for a few chapters. Even though he redeemed himself by helping Bryce at the end, I really hope the next book explores more of his growth and how he feels about everything with Shahar.
Lehabah was amazing, and her sacrifice was heartbreaking. I’m really going to miss her in the next books. As for Fury and Juniper, I’m on the fence. I get that grieving is different for everyone, but leaving Bryce for two years with such flimsy reasons didn’t sit well with me. I’m hoping there’s more explanation for that later.
The ending with Hunt being liberated makes me happy and suspicious at the same time. Now with that problem solved, it probably means many and more serious issues will arise, considering Bryce has many eyes on her and the attention of Aidas on her for whatever reason.
Overall, I really enjoyed it. It made me feel everything—shock, sadness and excitement. I will definitely read the next ones, specially if there’s a crossover with her other series!
Too long and convoluted, couldn’t care about the characters or story’s at this point
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
funny
hopeful
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:
Complicated
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo continues the story of Alex Stern and her attempts to free her mentor, Daniel Arlington, from hell.
There are several things I enjoyed about this sequel. The setting is quite attractive, very evocative of Dark Academia and gothic architecture. Alex herself, as a main character, is rich and intriguing. She is by no means a perfect, selfless hero, and there is no expectation of her acting in anyone's interests except her own. Although there is always a hint that she is working to help Darlington and others in the magic community, she is constantly and fiercely defending her own.
[I really enjoyed the quest to hell, which included four people of different personalities and abilities. Getting to know their stories and motivations, particularly how they came to commit murder and how this shaped who they are, was fascinating. The salt hellhounds they use and the roles of priest, prince, scholar, and soldier really fit with their traits, bringing everything together as each one has a crucial skill for the mission.
The development of the plot didn't feel too dragged or slow, and the surprises along the way were neither predictable nor insane.
At times, I found myself a bit bored with the Eitan plot and the continuous references to Hellie’s story, but I understand that the latter, especially, was a key piece in how Alex became who she is today. I wish there had been more interaction or explanations about what it meant for Darlington to be in hell and exactly what he did, but I’m guessing that will come in the third book.
I don't really get the need for the shiny glowstick demon dick, to be honest.
There are several things I enjoyed about this sequel. The setting is quite attractive, very evocative of Dark Academia and gothic architecture. Alex herself, as a main character, is rich and intriguing. She is by no means a perfect, selfless hero, and there is no expectation of her acting in anyone's interests except her own. Although there is always a hint that she is working to help Darlington and others in the magic community, she is constantly and fiercely defending her own.
The development of the plot didn't feel too dragged or slow, and the surprises along the way were neither predictable nor insane.
At times, I found myself a bit bored with the Eitan plot and the continuous references to Hellie’s story, but I understand that the latter, especially, was a key piece in how Alex became who she is today. I wish there had been more interaction or explanations about what it meant for Darlington to be in hell and exactly what he did, but I’m guessing that will come in the third book.
I don't really get the need for the shiny glowstick demon dick, to be honest.
adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes