onism_catharsis's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Minor: Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Gore, Child abuse, Confinement, and Domestic abuse
dealfea's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Gore, Toxic relationship, Bullying, Cursing, Murder, Sexism, Sexual content, Blood, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Death, Infertility, Medical content, Child abuse, Violence, Confinement, and Physical abuse
katvou'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
4.5
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Death, Murder, Slavery, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Alcohol, Blood, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, Rape, War, Medical content, Violence, Sexual assault, Gaslighting, and Sexual content
Minor: Excrement, Child death, Pregnancy, Grief, Death of parent, and Gore
cassalsace's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Rape, Confinement, Toxic relationship, and Death
Minor: Gore
michellemaas'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
4.5
Second read: 4.5 - ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
This book was a huge step-up from Gild. The world-building is quite intricate, but once the story kicked off, it KICKED OFF.
There was an amazing plot twist (more than one, actually) which was masterfully written and I quite enjoyed having Kennedy go more in-depth with our characters. This is also the first book in the series to be told from multiple point-of-views, including Auren's, Malina's, and Midas' perspectives (I'm not counting that one chapter in the previous book) so that enhanced the story even more.
In conclusion, the book is entertaining, not too long and the characters are likable. That is all I usually ask of my fantasy books so I'm more than happy. Also, the Plated Prisoner series gives me such From Blood and Ash vibes so it's got that going for it too.
Graphic: Abandonment, Emotional abuse, Body horror, Kidnapping, Misogyny, Murder, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Grief, Torture, Cursing, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Alcohol, Bullying, Child abuse, Blood, Gore, Toxic relationship, Confinement, Death of parent, Physical abuse, and Trafficking
Minor: Mental illness, Rape, Domestic abuse, Sexism, Sexual assault, Body shaming, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, and Sexual violence