Reviews tagging 'Pregnancy'

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

4 reviews

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.

icy_queen's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective medium-paced

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

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury

Moderate: Child abuse, Sexual assault, and Death of parent

Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Bullying, Child death, Pedophilia, Cannibalism, Pregnancy, War, and Classism

anielabooks's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced

5.0

This book was absolutely beautiful. The cover and illustrations were gorgeous. The stories were captivating and reminiscent of classic fairy tales. I particularly loved “Ayama and the Thorn Wood” and “When Water Sang Fire.” The lessons taught in these books are very relevant and important for kids to learn but please read the content warnings before introducing them because some stories have dark scenes. I thoroughly enjoyed the way it connected to the world of the Grisha, as the S&B books slyly mention some of the folk tales outlined in the book. Overall amazing read and I recommend even those who haven’t read other books from the Grishaverse to explore this one.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Death, Infidelity, Pedophilia, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Blood, Kidnapping, Cannibalism, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail

Minor: Incest, Infertility, Suicidal thoughts, Pregnancy, and War

emily_mh's review against another edition

dark mysterious relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Leigh Bardugo knows how to write fairy tales SO WELL. This was creepy and atmospheric and often tragic. It was the perfect autumn read (even though it's spring where I live). My favourite story was probably the Witch of Duva. Docked a half star because I thought the first and last stories dragged a little. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, Incest, Pedophilia, Self harm, Sexual assault, Violence, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail

Moderate: Child death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Blood, Medical content, and Cannibalism

Minor: Ableism, Alcoholism, Drug use, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Forced institutionalization, Vomit, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and War