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christinereads1823's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
My only gripe is the time travel plot; but as it's a personal preference (I hate time travel plots in any form, although this one is decent in that it addresses that even the smallest thing can severely impact the future) it doesn't really detract from the book overall. Solid sequel, and I'm excited for the third and final book.
Graphic: Death, Gore, Sexual content, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
ali_k0'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
4.5
Regardless, it is a stunning, terrifying sequel by all accounts. Kingsbane grabs your heart from the start and refuses to let go, tightening it's grip with every word until it finally rips it out from your chest at the very moment you think it will let you go.
Graphic: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Murder, Colonisation, and War
Moderate: Child abuse, Infidelity, Torture, and Pregnancy
Minor: Slavery and Medical content
kaip's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Kidnapping, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cursing, Incest, and Alcohol
kathrynleereads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
•
The world she built is so complex and ever-growing that I can’t help but marvel at the sheer size and genius of it.
•
Eliana - There was absolutely a lot more growth for Eliana in Furyborn, but she still made some pretty significant strides in Kingsbane.
Rielle - Rielle also has some pretty significant character development, but it was far from growth.
Audric, Ludivine, Tal, Evyline, Atheria.
Audric - While Audric does grow as a character in Kingsbane, I still find him a rather cookie-cutter character. Not necessarily in a bad way.
Ludivine - I honestly don’t trust my own thoughts on Ludivine anymore.
Simon - The true star of this book. I’m not even sure how I feel. Or where to start.
Remy - Remy frustrated me a bit during Kingsbane, especially when he decides to shun Eliana because of what happened with Rozen.
Zhara - Zhara is so pure in her love for Eliana, and I have to appreciate a (pretty much) eternal being who doesn’t gatekeep information. Every time Eliana had a question or wanted to know something, Zhara provided the information without hesitation.
Atheria - Every book needs a great fictional pet, and Atheria doesn’t disappoint. She makes it very clear when she doesn’t approve of Rielle’s actions, but is also there to support and defend her when needed.
Tal - While Tal on his own is tolerable, I find his relationship with Rielle very odd. The teacher/student sexual tension makes me uncomfortable, especially as Rielle views him as a sort of secondary father figure.
Evyline - Still very much a side character, but definitely one of my favorites. We don’t know much about her, but every time she shows up on the page I smile.
Time Travel
Obviously, time travel has been a part of this story from the very beginning, so I’m a little surprised that I didn’t see more of it coming.
•
Sexual Tension
After reading Furyborn, I specifically highlighted the sexual positivity. In Kingsbane, however, it was more like sexual tension.
Beyond the mere excitement, these parallels gave me each time I found one, I am astounded by Legrand’s skill.
•
After that ending, I could barely keep Lightbringer on my bookshelf long enough to write this review.
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, and War
Moderate: Infidelity, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Blood, Kidnapping, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal cruelty, Cursing, and Pregnancy
junebugreads'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? It's complicated
4.75
Graphic: Mental illness, Torture, Violence, Murder, and War
Moderate: Eating disorder, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Gaslighting
Minor: Suicide attempt
ka_ke's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Violence, Grief, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, and War
Moderate: Genocide, Sexual content, Torture, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Abandonment