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julbel's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
A fun, unique story of the battle between heaven and hell. The character dynamics are compelling, their individual qualms of what is right insightful, and their realizing their potential gratifying.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Grief, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Drug use, Emotional abuse, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
just_jess02's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
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
4.75
What a charming, whimsical, cozy read. It held just enough adventure and magic to hold my attention, great characters, and good world building. The historical context and lore was surface level but it really didn’t need to go any deeper to tell this story well.
I really enjoyed the balance of “bookish” ideas to the characters and plot. The themes and tropes are very obvious… but it’s not so in-your-face and cheesy to take away from the story. I found the transparent nature of the themes to push the story along smoothly and easily.
I’m excited to read the rest of the series. This book felt like a rich foundation that hopefully will open up into more complex, deep plot/relationships.
While I loved this story, it wasn’t one that really meant anything to me. It was like a sweet bedtime story almost. I like a book to follow me around once I finish it. I want to reflect, to slowly untangle my mind from the stories’ grasp. This is the only reason I am not giving it five stars.
I really enjoyed the balance of “bookish” ideas to the characters and plot. The themes and tropes are very obvious… but it’s not so in-your-face and cheesy to take away from the story. I found the transparent nature of the themes to push the story along smoothly and easily.
I’m excited to read the rest of the series. This book felt like a rich foundation that hopefully will open up into more complex, deep plot/relationships.
While I loved this story, it wasn’t one that really meant anything to me. It was like a sweet bedtime story almost. I like a book to follow me around once I finish it. I want to reflect, to slowly untangle my mind from the stories’ grasp. This is the only reason I am not giving it five stars.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Violence, Grief, and Murder
Minor: Child death, Drug use, Gore, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, and Abandonment
thereadinghammock's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
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? It's complicated
3.75
Another book club pick. The story was engaging, the characters were multi-dimensional and diverse, the world building was fantastic, but I kept finding myself distracted when I went to pick up the book. Maybe it's because I have been reading shorter books lately, or because I've been in a romance novel reading hole, but I didn't find myself wanting to carve out time to read this book at every opportunity. It was good, I'm glad to have read it, but I don't think I'll actively pursue the subsequent sequels, if I'm being completely honest.
I loved the characters--Claire, Brevity, Leto, even salty Hero and shady AF Andras. They were all written so well and I loved the interactions and banter among them all throughout the story.
I loved the characters--Claire, Brevity, Leto, even salty Hero and shady AF Andras. They were all written so well and I loved the interactions and banter among them all throughout the story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Grief
Minor: Drug use, Panic attacks/disorders, Religious bigotry, Fire/Fire injury, and Toxic friendship