Reviews tagging 'Sexual content'

The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons

6 reviews

lex24's review against another edition

challenging dark sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

I rarely review books I did not finish, but "The Bronze Horseman" warrants an exception. Spanning over 800 pages, I read more than two-thirds before quitting and was left so frustrated and disappointed that I felt a review was necessary. 

What I Loved: The first part of this book was incredible, earning an easy five-star rating. Paullina Simons masterfully crafts a vivid, immersive world where you truly feel present with the characters. Her prose is beautifully descriptive without becoming distracting. The emotions, struggles, and triumphs of the characters are palpable, making for an engaging and heartfelt reading experience.

What I Hated: The second part of the book felt like it was written by a completely different author. The characters became 2-dimensional and unbearable, and the narrative was bogged down by lengthy, gratuitous sex scenes, that added nothing to the story. The dynamic between the protagonist and her love interest, already problematic, devolved into something I found deeply troubling. Despite my efforts to push through, even resorting to skipping sections, I ultimately couldn't continue. The shift in tone and content not only disappointed but also detracted from the excellence of the first part.

In conclusion, this started as a five-star read but lost its way, leaving me frustrated and unable to finish the story. Proceed with caution.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Medical trauma, Stalking, and War

ifoundcallie's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Alcohol, War, and Injury/Injury detail

Moderate: Child death, Suicidal thoughts, Police brutality, Medical trauma, Murder, Abandonment, and Sexual harassment

Minor: Animal death, Chronic illness, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Terminal illness, Torture, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Antisemitism, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Abortion, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Classism, Deportation, and Pandemic/Epidemic

unsweetener's review against another edition

emotional sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

This book is very much a historical drama and romance mashup, and I was hooked on the audiobook. A healthy suspension of disbelief is necessary for both the historical setting and occasionally the characters' behavior, but what can I say? The author taps right into the main characters' feelings and their world. 

The romance element is strong, but I wouldn't recommend it if you are looking for something with a HEA or if you are uncomfortable with sex scenes (you could safely skim a large portion though). It's also not the most progressive couple; their dynamic is fun to read, but not exactly aspirational. There are some messed up family dynamics as well, but the messiness of the characters is what makes the story work overall.  Come for the angst, the improbable rescues, the genuinely gutting war setting, and

the potato/sex table

and you won't be disappointed.

A note on the audiobook: I really enjoyed James Langton's narration. Alexander's accent was inexplicably Scottish-ish, but it's probably better than an

American-Russian pretend translated from Russian to English accent anyway

; it was pleasant and distinctive enough to do the job.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Sexual content, and War

Minor: Child death and Domestic abuse

heidimc's review against another edition

emotional slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

This book was incredibly slow and boring considering the potential it had. The main focus was a “love story” which detailed the most unhealthy and toxic relationship I could imagine. The story line was flawed and either moved too slowly through arduous dialogue, or skimmed over what could have been exciting moments.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Gun violence, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, War, and Injury/Injury detail

downtown_kb's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content

Moderate: Toxic relationship

shellieb's review against another edition

emotional inspiring slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This is an epic love story plus so much more! There's a much depth, history, heartache and love! The writing is beautiful. This is the kind of book I'm forever searching for. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Violence, and Grief