The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! š
kathrynleereads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
ā¢Ā
The world she built is so complex and ever-growing that I canāt help but marvel at the sheer size and genius of it.
ā¢
Eliana - There was absolutely a lot more growth for Eliana in Furyborn, but she still made some pretty significant strides in Kingsbane.Ā
Rielle - Rielle also has some pretty significant character development, but it was far from growth.Ā
Audric, Ludivine, Tal, Evyline, Atheria.Ā
Audric - While Audric does grow as a character in Kingsbane, I still find him a rather cookie-cutter character. Not necessarily in a bad way.Ā
Ludivine - I honestly donāt trust my own thoughts on Ludivine anymore.Ā
Simon - The true star of this book. Iām not even sure how I feel. Or where to start.Ā
Remy - Remy frustrated me a bit during Kingsbane, especially when he decides to shun Eliana because of what happened with Rozen.Ā
Zhara - Zhara is so pure in her love for Eliana, and I have to appreciate a (pretty much) eternal being who doesnāt gatekeep information. Every time Eliana had a question or wanted to know something, Zhara provided the information without hesitation.
Atheria - Every book needs a great fictional pet, and Atheria doesnāt disappoint. She makes it very clear when she doesnāt approve of Rielleās actions, but is also there to support and defend her when needed.
Tal - While Tal on his own is tolerable, I find his relationship with Rielle very odd. The teacher/student sexual tension makes me uncomfortable, especially as Rielle views him as a sort of secondary father figure.Ā
Evyline - Still very much a side character, but definitely one of my favorites. We donāt know much about her, but every time she shows up on the page I smile.Ā
Time Travel
Obviously, time travel has been a part of this story from the very beginning, so Iām a little surprised that I didnāt see more of it coming.
ā¢
Sexual Tension
After reading Furyborn, I specifically highlighted the sexual positivity. In Kingsbane, however, it was more like sexual tension.Ā
Beyond the mere excitement, these parallels gave me each time I found one, I am astounded by Legrandās skill.
ā¢
After that ending, I could barely keep Lightbringer on my bookshelf long enough to write this review.Ā
Graphic: Body horror, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Death, Gore, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Torture, Violence, and War
Moderate: Infidelity, Slavery, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Kidnapping, Sexual content, and Sexual violence
Minor: Animal cruelty, Pregnancy, and Cursing
csmall73's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Moderate: Grief, Incest, Self harm, Violence, War, Blood, Death of parent, Vomit, Alcoholism, Gaslighting, Murder, Pregnancy, Sexual content, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Bullying, Death, Child abuse, Classism, Colonisation, Emotional abuse, Slavery, Suicide attempt, and Toxic friendship
eve_reads's review against another edition
- 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
3.75
ā I am happy to report that, as I had hoped, this book does expand MUCH upon the historical context of the angelic/human wars. A majority of my questions were answered and I was very satisfied.
ā This book did not give me the fast-paced, edge of seat, nail-biting start that the Furyborn did. The chapters were still decently short, but I wasn't as absorbed in the action as consistently. The ending (and a massive plot twist) did turn things around in the end, though.
Ā
To read my full review, visit: https://evereads.online/
For regular book-related content, follow my Instagram account: @eve_readsĀ
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, Blood, Child death, Animal death, Body horror, Death of parent, Gore, and War
angstifies's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
one thing i donāt like about this series in general is how abusers get forgiven? this is the third time that happens, it really fucking bothers me.
Graphic: Violence, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Toxic friendship, Cursing, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Death of parent, Pregnancy, Suicide attempt, War, Animal death, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Kidnapping, Injury/Injury detail, and Vomit
junebugreads'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
4.75
Graphic: Mental illness, Murder, War, Violence, and Torture
Moderate: Gaslighting, Eating disorder, Toxic relationship, and Sexual content
Minor: Suicide attempt
leeang's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I still am invested in the characters, and the writing remains beautiful. Rielle's decent into madness is so well done and took me on a journey. The way that Rielle and Eliana mirror each other in the writing is exquisitely done.Ā
And the last 50 or so pages felt like the action packed first book, with at least one twist I did not expect!Ā
But all of it felt simultaneously like too much and too little.Ā
I found the sex scenes gratuitous and awkward. The Audric one in the hall ... yikes. And the LGBTQ+ representation to be SO NICE TO SEE, but also felt ... lack luster.Ā
It just felt like I was on the upward ramp of the rollercoaster where all you can do is look around at the scenery because nothing else is really happening yet. You feel the good part coming, but all this really served was to make me increasingly nervous.Ā
I look forward to see how this story concludes. That will honestly depend on if I recommend this series or not to others.Ā
Graphic: Death of parent, Sexual content, and Infidelity
Moderate: War, Violence, Suicide attempt, Pregnancy, and Mental illness
ka_ke's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Death, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Grief, Gun violence, Murder, Violence, and War
Moderate: Death of parent, Genocide, Sexual content, Torture, Toxic friendship, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Abandonment