succmoipp's review against another edition
2.75
The premise was great, but i think the execution didn't live up to it. While this obviously isn't a romance, i wish we could see the progress of their relationships progressing, instead of pressia disliking bradwell and then suddenly falling in love.
Spoiler
and the scene where bradwell tells her how beautiful her scar is and kisses it was so incredibly cliche and cringe. Gave me shivers of disgust.Julianna has a pretty simple and easy writing style, but with it she managed to paint vivid imagery of the world and fused wretches. It might be a bit too much for a YA book, but i did really like how dark and violent it was and detailed in the descriptions of gruesome fusions.
While i don't think it's a great book, i did find it interesting enough to want to read the other two in the series!
Graphic: Gun violence, Body horror, and Death
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Animal death, Rape, Child death, Domestic abuse, Self harm, and Suicide
thattheatrekid's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
A lot of violence was unnecessarily graphic and there was a lot of info dumping/exposition. The world building and imagery also weren’t too clear. I really wish the author hadn’t used present tense with third person though; it ticked me off and I don’t even know why.
But the plot was good and very interesting, and the drama kept me turning the pages. I just think the author rushed the writing too much.
Graphic: Sexism, Murder, Violence, Torture, Terminal illness, Suicidal thoughts, Self harm, Medical trauma, Misogyny, Kidnapping, Injury/Injury detail, Gun violence, Grief, Gore, Forced institutionalization, Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, Death of parent, Death, Confinement, Child death, and Blood
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Suicide, Mental illness, and Cursing
Minor: Rape and Terminal illness
meg_elyse's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Graphic: Body horror, Gun violence, Gore, Genocide, Death, Death of parent, Child death, and Blood
Moderate: Violence, Toxic relationship, Police brutality, and Murder
Minor: Self harm, Suicide attempt, Suicide, and Suicidal thoughts