Reviews tagging 'Body horror'

The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic by Leigh Bardugo

10 reviews

iris_lrf's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Rarely am I disappointed by the Grishaverse and this is no exception. Bardrugo's magnificent talent for worldbuilding is exhibited full force in all six of these stories, each a deliciously dark twist on a classic fairytale. Her characters had me gripping the book, my nose barely an inch from the page, as I read on in disbelief, in worry, in vindication. 

To speak of this book without praising Sara Kipin's glorious illustrations would be a crime of the highest order. With every turn of the page, the margins bloom with colour, coming further and further to life. I would often catch myself skipping ahead for a glimpse of the final picture, only held back by the spoilers it would contain. Kipin's bright and bold work brings these stories, their characters and the setting to a new level. 

Whether you're new to the Grishaverse or long-time fan, this book is a must-read for all. Its beautiful pages and enthralling tales shed spectacular light on a world of powerful sorcerers and terrible monsters. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal cruelty, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Misogyny, Self harm, Blood, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail

Moderate: Animal death, Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Incest, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Blood, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol

Minor: Bullying, Infidelity, and Classism

alixbx's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

If you are a Grishaverse lover, nothing in here will be more shocking than what you have already read in the other books. If you’re not as familiar with the works of Leigh Bardugo, I would advise greatly that you review content warnings. Grishaverse books may be Young Adult reading, but I would strongly argue it is not, and I feel similarly here with this text. It is beautifully written an illustrated with stories that do not offer happy endings. I find this to actually be it’s greatest strength, but it is entirely preference. As an anthology, it is not necessarily curated with a single vision or message. More than anything it offers lore that shapes the greater Grishaverse. If you enjoy Grimm Fairytales and Poe, you could enjoy this in isolation from the entirety of the series. It is in that same arena for vibes and style.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Child death, Death, Gore, Incest, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Grief, Cannibalism, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail

Details will be graphic and intense and they will come without warning. This is definitely the kind of read you should be feeling mentally strong when reading, and weary of if any of the content warnings upset you because they will not be alluded to - they will be described viscerally.

albyalbyalby's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-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

 Leigh Bardugo never disappoints with the Grishaverse, and the delightful and subversive takes on classic fairytales she gives in this book are underrated by her fans. The stunning descriptions give wonderful visuals that any reader will enjoy. Not to mention the beautiful illustrations throughout. Overall, highly recommend! 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal cruelty, Body horror, Death, Gore, Violence, Cannibalism, and Murder

Moderate: Animal death, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Incest, Sexual assault, and Blood

Minor: Bullying, Pedophilia, Toxic relationship, Xenophobia, and War

rafacolog's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Death, Blood, and Murder

rory18's review against another edition

challenging dark inspiring mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A masterfully crafted collection of dark yet inspiring cautionary tales. There's no unreality trigger warning, but if there was one it would certainly apply for The Soldier Prince (heavy themes of grooming in that one, too.)

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Body horror, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Incest, Mental illness, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Xenophobia, Blood, and Cannibalism

Moderate: Animal cruelty, Drug abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Kidnapping, and Toxic friendship

Minor: Child death, Homophobia, Alcohol, and War

wrinnola's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious reflective fast-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

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child death, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Violence, Blood, Cannibalism, Murder, and Abandonment

Moderate: Body horror, Bullying, Child abuse, Self harm, Gaslighting, and Classism

Minor: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Domestic abuse, and Death of parent

jaye_birde's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

My favorite book of original and retold fairytales! Gorgeous artwork and stories that will haunt me for quite some time. Appropriate for High school or older readers 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Violence

Minor: Animal death, Body horror, Bullying, Child death, Blood, Cannibalism, Murder, and Gaslighting

krows_ink's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

A very beautifully written collection of fairy tales.  All inspired by childhood stories, yet new and refreshing.  Somehow this book makes the flushed out world of the grishaverse even more real and enchanting.  Reading it felt as though I was stepping foot into Alina's childhood, listing to cautionary tales.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Animal death, Body horror, Child death, Incest, and Sexual assault

melonmachinery's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced

• 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

5.0

A great retelling/reimagining of classic folktales, some I wasn't familiar with and others I was and enjoyed with their new flavor. Beautiful art throughout the book adding to the overall experience. Would recommend!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror and Violence

Moderate: Murder

jeannette's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror and Cannibalism

Moderate: Animal death