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karatics's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, and Sexual content
Moderate: Body horror, Cursing, Gore, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Medical content, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
jonie_rich's review against another edition
- 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
4.75
Graphic: Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Infidelity, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Cannibalism, Medical trauma, Murder, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment
lunalorenne's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
The inner monologues were pretty funny at times ( but were maybe a bit overused)
The romance between Stephen and Grace. I loved that it was much more of a slower paced romance and the respect he had for her and letting her fight her own battles but always being there for her was just so heartwarming.
Things I was unsure about:
There seemed to be two murderous plots going on in the background at once and it made it difficult to keep track of all the pieces and to understand if they were connected at all.
Stephen was sometimes a bit too self deprecating. I get that part of his character is guilt but it became a broken record with how much his inner monologue banged it into us.
Lastly it did take a little to get into it as it was a slow start and I thought the court scene was drawn out a bit too long.
Overall though an enjoyable read with some murder mystery and a great romance! I can’t wait for more from this world.
Moderate: Death, Blood, and Murder
Minor: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, and Sexual harassment
booksthatburn's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Grace is so genuinely trusting that she needs someone more cynical and observant around to keep things from turning out badly when people take advantage of her. She can, and has, reset her life after betrayal, but it's so nice to see a part of her life where people help her rather than leaving her to sink or swim in the wake of abuse and betrayal. Stephen and his fellow paladins are living each day without their god, trying to be helpful rather than letting the black tide swallow them. It's nice to read a story where the main characters have lives separate from each other, but it's obvious how their lives are enriched by each other's company and possible affection. Zale is a fantastic wit and an even better lawyer, it's great to see them again.
While technically not a sequel, this is set in the world of the White Rat, mentions places featured elsewhere, and includes at least one character from SWORDHEART. The story itself is entirely new. The worldbuilding focuses on just a couple of locations, but describes places in a way that provides relevant information for this story while giving details which complement what that other White Rat books established. I recommend reading at least SWORDHEART before this, but the main thing that will affect is whether Zale is a new or familiar character.
Graphic: Death, Gore, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, and Grief
Moderate: Confinement, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Medical content, and Murder
Minor: Ableism, Animal death, Child abuse, Child death, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Suicide, Terminal illness, Excrement, Cannibalism, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
gothnailcare's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Gaslighting
Minor: Infidelity and Sexual harassment