esknight89's review
Once I realized that all of the Native Americans were essentially monsters, it was really hard for me to finish even the first chapter. I tried, I really did, but the writing style just rubbed me the wrong way and then the very first chapter ends with these Native monsters ripping out the guts of a living human and eating him. Disgusting and messed up. I usually read grimdark fantasy but that's messed up.
The MC is supposedly a human who can see the future when her skin is cut. I'm really uncomfortable with self-harm and while this "cassandra sanguine" isn't doing it for the same reasons most people do it, it feels too much like promotion of harmful behaviors to a young audience.
The MC is supposedly a human who can see the future when her skin is cut. I'm really uncomfortable with self-harm and while this "cassandra sanguine" isn't doing it for the same reasons most people do it, it feels too much like promotion of harmful behaviors to a young audience.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Cannibalism, and Self harm
greymalkin's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
informative
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Wow! I really enjoyed this. I loved the world and the fresh take on supernatural creatures. It reminds me of Robin McKinley's Sunshine, where the predatory nature of supernatural creatures is much more believable and darker.
Spoiler
I thought that Anne Bishop did a great job capturing Meg's subtle character traits. She's kind and innocent but not a doormat. She's petite and fragile and not very strong but doesn't assume she should be treated as such. I absolutely bought how the other characters grew to like her. The relationship between her and Simon evolved very naturally, and the stuff with Sam is heartbreaking but so emotionally believable. I finished the book and immediately bought and started reading the next one. There aren't too many books where that's the case.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm and Violence
Moderate: Physical abuse and Cannibalism
Minor: Rape
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