eatingbrains's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Oh boy..
So. I would say that I liked this book. The political intrigue aspect is interesting, the worldbuilding is a bit sparse and seems to rely on conventional setting stereotypes, the religious aspect is bizarre, and the magic systems are largely unexplained.
For the romance: I initially enjoyed the pining, the obvious adoration, the soft boy, the timid girl with hidden strength, etc... But then they hooked up and it became intolerable. I cannot deal with the words used for penis and vagina. Not the barbaric 'sword' and 'sheath' metaphor used in Tenebra nor the ones in the Hesperine language which I refuse to type out. It literally sounds like the penis is a Pokémon and the image remains firmly stuck. Beyond that, it also felt very juvenile in that they banged and then it was very insta-ride-or-die which was hugely out of character for the woman, if not also the man (in theory) especially considering that it largely takes place in the span of a month.
To be honest, my favorite character was the animal companion, Knight.
I am unsure if I will continue on to read the next book, but there's a good chance.
So. I would say that I liked this book. The political intrigue aspect is interesting, the worldbuilding is a bit sparse and seems to rely on conventional setting stereotypes, the religious aspect is bizarre, and the magic systems are largely unexplained.
For the romance: I initially enjoyed the pining, the obvious adoration, the soft boy, the timid girl with hidden strength, etc... But then they hooked up and it became intolerable. I cannot deal with the words used for penis and vagina. Not the barbaric 'sword' and 'sheath' metaphor used in Tenebra nor the ones in the Hesperine language which I refuse to type out. It literally sounds like the penis is a Pokémon and the image remains firmly stuck. Beyond that, it also felt very juvenile in that they banged and then it was very insta-ride-or-die which was hugely out of character for the woman, if not also the man (in theory) especially considering that it largely takes place in the span of a month.
To be honest, my favorite character was the animal companion, Knight.
I am unsure if I will continue on to read the next book, but there's a good chance.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent, Murder, Animal cruelty, Gore, Sexual assault, Blood, Child abuse, Self harm, Violence, Animal death, Infertility, Sexual content, Stalking, Torture, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Panic attacks/disorders, Religious bigotry, Sexual harassment, Vomit, Xenophobia, Child death, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Medical content, War, Abandonment, Domestic abuse, Classism, Confinement, Misogyny, Sexism, and Emotional abuse
linguisticfanatic's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Domestic abuse
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