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matheo's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Colonisation, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Misogyny and Sexism
journeythroughthechapters's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thoughts
What a conclusion!!! First off I want to say 3/4 of this book was a 3 star but that last quarter was 5 stars.
I was genuinely shocked at how little I was enjoying the first half of the book. There was no plot, things moved very slow and I had no idea where the story was going. We traveled a little but even that was underwhelming. And I like when characters travel in books. But I’m glad I pushed to the end because it made it worth it in the end.
Things I liked
- The Characters: There is a shift in the main character that is to be expected if you continue the story. HOWEVER throughout all that she remained true to herself and her family. I love that family remains a theme through both novels and if that is something you enjoy then you might like this. We see less of one of my fav characters which is probably why I hated the start but he’s there in the end so I’ll forgive the book haha.
- The Relationships: This also has a focus on new friendships. One a true friendship the other a mutual respect. I don’t want to spoil the book but I found the mutual respect dynamic fascinating. It goes to show that while you don’t have to like everyone you can still be respectful.
- The Writing: I’m a simple women I like my writing basic and to the point. And while Elizabeth Lim has beautiful descriptions they aren’t convoluted so I can understand them which is what I want from a book.
Things I didn’t love
- The Pacing: like I mentioned this was PAINFULLY slow at the start. I kept wanting to put it down. It didn’t hold my attention like the first but I pushed through. And I’m glad.
- The Plot: The combination of pacing and lack of plot is what in my opinion let the book down. I understand what the author was trying to do by focusing in on Maia but it was too much of the same thing.
But overall a beautiful duology. Sadly not one of my favourites but one I would highly recommend.
Representation
POC (Asian Rep), Gay (side character)
Trigger Warning
Violence, Abuse, Animal Death
What a conclusion!!! First off I want to say 3/4 of this book was a 3 star but that last quarter was 5 stars.
I was genuinely shocked at how little I was enjoying the first half of the book. There was no plot, things moved very slow and I had no idea where the story was going. We traveled a little but even that was underwhelming. And I like when characters travel in books. But I’m glad I pushed to the end because it made it worth it in the end.
Things I liked
- The Characters: There is a shift in the main character that is to be expected if you continue the story. HOWEVER throughout all that she remained true to herself and her family. I love that family remains a theme through both novels and if that is something you enjoy then you might like this. We see less of one of my fav characters which is probably why I hated the start but he’s there in the end so I’ll forgive the book haha.
- The Relationships: This also has a focus on new friendships. One a true friendship the other a mutual respect. I don’t want to spoil the book but I found the mutual respect dynamic fascinating. It goes to show that while you don’t have to like everyone you can still be respectful.
- The Writing: I’m a simple women I like my writing basic and to the point. And while Elizabeth Lim has beautiful descriptions they aren’t convoluted so I can understand them which is what I want from a book.
Things I didn’t love
- The Pacing: like I mentioned this was PAINFULLY slow at the start. I kept wanting to put it down. It didn’t hold my attention like the first but I pushed through. And I’m glad.
- The Plot: The combination of pacing and lack of plot is what in my opinion let the book down. I understand what the author was trying to do by focusing in on Maia but it was too much of the same thing.
But overall a beautiful duology. Sadly not one of my favourites but one I would highly recommend.
Representation
POC (Asian Rep), Gay (side character)
Trigger Warning
Violence, Abuse, Animal Death
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Physical abuse, and Violence
Minor: Grief
dhwani's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Misogyny and Physical abuse