The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
allymiranda's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Gore, War, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Miscarriage, Animal cruelty, and Animal death
Minor: Alcoholism
The only animal cruelty is dragons and (very minor) horses.silver_violet's review
- 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? No
4.25
The equality between genders was refreshing with the majority of the main characters being (strong, fierce) women, and at times surprising with there never being a doubt from any character that a woman can rule/fight/be on equal standing with men, especially in a medieval-esque setting. That same level of acceptance and normalcy with feminism extends to the beautiful LGBTQIA+ relationships.
I've read some reviews likening this to LOTR, which i can somewhat agree with for the epic feel and the characters' journeys to save their world. I'd argue that this could/should have been a duology or trilogy but still very much enjoyed this story! Don't let this behemoth daunt you - it's worth the read!
Moderate: Grief, Miscarriage, Violence, Blood, Death, and Infertility
Minor: Fire/Fire injury, Blood, Death, Pregnancy, and Torture
achay91's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Chronic illness, Classism, Body horror, Pandemic/Epidemic, Injury/Injury detail, War, Religious bigotry, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Blood, Death, and Miscarriage
Moderate: Death of parent, Gore, Murder, and Pregnancy
Minor: Child death, Forced institutionalization, Sexual content, Alcohol, and Alcoholism
chronicacademia's review against another edition
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Moderate: Stalking, Animal death, Ableism, Death, Grief, Blood, Gore, Pregnancy, Infertility, Miscarriage, Torture, Violence, and War
crystalunvrs's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Child death, Xenophobia, War, Torture, Suicidal thoughts, Religious bigotry, Pregnancy, Pandemic/Epidemic, Fire/Fire injury, Death, Body horror, Blood, Slavery, Murder, Miscarriage, Grief, Death of parent, Colonisation, Animal cruelty, and Animal death
volsungreads's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Animal death, Pregnancy, Injury/Injury detail, War, Ableism, Blood, Mental illness, Xenophobia, Addiction, Infertility, Alcoholism, and Death of parent
Moderate: Abortion
georgialee01's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Moderate: Miscarriage, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Pregnancy, War, and Violence
Minor: Alcoholism, Infertility, Sexual content, Gore, Pandemic/Epidemic, Blood, and Death
kyleighf's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
World building was long and drawn out and at times in the first 200 pages I’d wonder how the heck I was to remember so much detail. Maps and timelines and more maps and a glossary(!) and an index of people. Plus 4 different narrators with subtle indication of who was at the forefront each chapter.Â
This book was a test of my strength, memory, will, stubbornness, but it will forever be worth it.Â
Some of the BEST LGBTQ+ representation I’ve read, and that’s not even close to the focus of the story. It’s refreshing to read about a sapphic couple who are not a plot point in the story but treated as any heterosexual couple would be.Â
I think this was the first time I put down a book to start another in the middle which is part of why it took so long, but I’m so glad I powered through.Â
Characters are fleshed out, the character development is immaculate and to die for. The ending leaves you satisfied but curious. Everything wraps up sensibly and doesn’t feel forced. Pieces intertwine and disconnect and intertwine, it’s very satisfying to watch the threads build a tapestry.Â
Here’s to (eventually) reading the prequel. Not anytime soon, but eventually.Â
Graphic: Death of parent, Child death, Murder, Blood, Body horror, Death, Grief, Miscarriage, Pandemic/Epidemic, Gore, Pregnancy, and War
caoimhe9876's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Blood and Violence
Moderate: Miscarriage, War, Torture, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
internationalreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Miscarriage, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Animal death, Blood, Bullying, Confinement, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Grief, Infertility, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, and War