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orchidd's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Grief, Murder, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
Moderate: Drug use and Alcohol
malhale'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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Classism
Minor: Physical abuse and Torture
angstifies'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? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Blood
Moderate: Death, Drug use, Homophobia, Murder, and Alcohol
Minor: Child death, Sexual content, Death of parent, and Abandonment
k_aro'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
3.75
I do have some things I don't love about this book: for one, that Nirrim is so blind to Raven's consistent emotional/domestic abuse, despite her ability to spot it in other people (i.e. Aden). Like, I get that Nirrim and Raven's relationship is different to that of her and Aden's, but it just feels kind of weird that up until the proper reveal of who Raven is, Nirrim's insistent on thinking of her as the same one-dimensional mother figure who sometimes makes mistakes and hurts her. I'm not saying Nirrim has to be on board to condemn Raven the first time she does something bad, but it's just... weird, I guess.
I also think that the first like... fourth? Of the book is a little slow. It's got a lot to set up, so I'm not, like, mad that it's slow, but it does make it a bit hard to get into.
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Trafficking, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, and Classism
Moderate: Drug use, Rape, and Murder
Minor: Child death, Homophobia, Misogyny, Death of parent, and Lesbophobia
A note on the moderate content warning for rape:erynpaige'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
4.25
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexism, Xenophobia, Police brutality, Grief, Murder, Lesbophobia, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
emilywasbored'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? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, and Blood
Moderate: Physical abuse and Murder
Minor: Child death, Sexual assault, and Death of parent
fictionalportal'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
4.25
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Blood, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
Moderate: Murder and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Minor: Homophobia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment
thewrongalice'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? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Child abuse and Domestic abuse
olivialandryxo'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? No
4.5
I loved Nirrim and Sid right away. The latter gave me Nikolai vibes, as both characters have an effortlessly confident and flirtatious façade they only let those they trust and love see past. Though I’m not nearly as in love with the Grishaverse as I was a few years ago, I still love Nikolai, and I love Sid even more.
The girls’ interactions had me smiling as soon as they met, and I loved seeing their relationship develop. I felt their affection deep in my soul, and I was so happy every time they had a moment that brought them closer. The yearning, the tenderness…. be still my gay heart!!! Every single time I read a book featuring a sapphic couple, I get immensely happy, and by the time I finish the book I’ve got a massive crush on at least one of the girls. This time, it’s Sid. Holy wow. Girl thoughts. Head lesbian. 😍
I felt so bad for Nirrim, and how the two people she was closest to were so abusive and manipulative. Seeing her come out of her shell, learn about the world, and become her own person was so satisfying. I want to give her the biggest hug, honestly.
The world Rutkoski created was unique and well-written. Readers are purposefully left in the dark for most of the book, slowly learning more alongside Nirrim, getting answers that also bring more questions. Despite this, I wasn’t confused or frustrated by what I didn’t know; I was intrigued by the possibilities and curious to see how she would tie everything together. In the end, there were multiple things revealed that I in no way saw coming. While not the most mind-blowing twists I’ve come across, they were still surprising, and set the stage nicely for the sequel.
Speaking of the sequel, I’m anticipating pain. Between the current state of Nirrim and Sid’s relationship and the events of the epilogue, I’m concerned. Very concerned. Also, the second book’s title makes sense now, and although I’m looking forward to said book, I just have a bad feeling. Like, I’m excited, but there’s a feeling of dread in the pit of my stomach, because I’m desperately hoping for good things but expecting bad things.
I wouldn’t call this a new favorite, but it’s certainly a story I thoroughly enjoyed and would highly recommend. Fingers crossed I can read the next book sooner rather than later!!
Representation
- sapphic protagonist of color
- biracial lesbian love interest
- sapphic romance (f/f)
Graphic: Death, Homophobia, and Blood
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Gaslighting
Minor: Child abuse, Child death, and Terminal illness
Those tagged minor are mentioned throughout the story but occurred prior to it.samthebibookworm'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? Yes
4.0
Trigger warning- homophobia,violence, toxic relationships, murder, physical and mental abuse, casteism
Nirrim is a half-kith, one of the lowest groups of people in the island of Ethin. They are kept separated by the upper caste in the Ward within the walls. The walls which are painted white with limestone. But why?
If you ask this question to the people of Ethin, they will simply say “it is as it is”. Who implemented the laws for the caste system? Who appointed the lord Protector? Who said that half-kith can't have particular things and more importantly….why are there no history books??
The answer, “it is as it is”
Nirrim is the perfect obedient person you can wish for. She’ll never say no and will do anything her mother figure Raven asks her to do. But sadly she doesn't even know when people are taking advantage of her. But she can see, see things which are forgotten and now are just mere memories.
But when she is captured for a crime she didn't even committed she meets Sid (or should i say, my darling princess who is gonna steal me, uhmm no back to review) Nirrim gets the idea of curiosity, a want but believe me questioning things in Ething is not the best idea.
Sid is the character I wanted to read so badly and Marie Rutkoski completed my wish, She is a mysterious traveller, likes suits and rocks them, has short blonde hair and uses heavy humor as a coping mechanism (not the best thing, but girl screams simp for me, and i do)
This book , please read it seriously. You may find yourself saying to Nirrim that please don't let people take advantage of you but her character development is so awesome, and she teaches you a very good thing
“But nothing is as it is. Everything comes from something. There is nothing and no one without a past.”
To question, in a real life perspective we live in a society where all the laws are laid out, people go through their routines without even thinking how this came to be? What is the reason? Why do we do what we do? Who made us do it?
I love you Nirrim just give me Sid pls-
But now that Nirrim becomes curious and finally knows the truth , she will take back what was taken away . Now that the truth is out, people are gonna pay for it.
Graphic: Death, Toxic relationship, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Homophobia