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znrtrreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
the beginning was a bit of a slow start and i almost dnf’d, but around the 60% mark it picked up and was soooo hard to put down. you know that one really big twist at the end of Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard? the one that makes you gasp out loud because it feels like you, as a reader, just got betrayed? the last quarter of this book was like that, over and over. every time i thought i could trust someone or knew what was happening — bam, another twist. and, i guessed correctly, it ended on a cliffhanger and i absolutely need to read the rest of the series to see what happens next.
also i am obsessed with both main characters — niko was true to himself, badass, no-nonsense; visili was the perfect anti-hero cracking out of his shell. i love that their enemies to lovers arc was slow burn, blurring the lines between hatred and obviously falling for each other but not being able to realize it. i’m excited to see where the story takes them.
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and War
Minor: Confinement, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, War, and Classism
If you’ve ever seen Game of Thrones, think of every triggering thing that could be in there and it’s in here. It’s very dark so go into it expecting that. Plot and characters make it worth it.fyarae's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Rape, Slavery, and Violence
tendoheart's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Gore
tough_cookie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
This is a dark novel, no doubt. Between the PTSD flashbacks, torture, and sexual abuse, it's not for the faint of heart; I myself had to skip over several parts. I also found the plot annoying, especially the love triangle (I strongly dislike that trope) and the way Niko was always left in the dark, forced to unravel each mystery on his own. This resulted in the main character constantly being the last to know -- and ending up betrayed and/or as bait as a result (another literary device that frustrates me), and when very few of the characters are even likable, that gets old really fast. More than once I thought about dropping this book, but the dichotomy of Niko's character interested me just enough to keep me reading, and thankfully the pace of the story was quick enough that I could get through it quickly. However, I endured enough with this book and will not continue the rest of the trilogy.
Graphic: Gore, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, and Murder
ameliedj's review
- 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
4.75
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Update: 1 year later I have read this book 2 more times. I love this series so much. Niko and Vasili own my heart.
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
sixav's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual content, Slavery, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Drug use, Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Minor: Incest, Suicidal thoughts, and War
avidreader6's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Drug use and Blood