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pooxs's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Slavery, Toxic relationship, Blood, Murder, Gaslighting, and War
lollalong's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
4 stars
Alina Starkov has always been an orphan destined for obscurity. When she is signed up in the first army as a cartographer, a journey across the Shadow Fold is thrust upon. When the brush of death unleashes a power she doesn't know how to control, she finds herself in the power of the Darkling.
The Darkling exhibits a lot of abusive tendencies which could be triggering for some people who have been in abusive relationship previously. There is mild violence, and mention of blood throughout.
I really enjoyed the Russian inspired setting of this book. I've not read many books which use this area of the world, or this culture, as a backdrop for a fantasy setting. Being on the look out for fantasy that hits a little differently, I am pleased to say that this did.
The unfurling of the events within this book, was at times a little predictable but also not. The relationship between Alina nad Genua was perfectly used to gain favour with our scared and anxious protagonist and I am hoping to see some more of her in the next book.
If I'd not already seen some talks of the Darkling, I believe his character would not have felt half as shady as it did for me. That's on me for having stumbled across some spoilers previously. Despite this, I can see how some people may have felt drawn into this area of the plot. The idea of power radiating a sense of want and drawing people in was executed in a way that I will marvel at. Even though this had nefarious undertones, I can understand how it could be easily missed if you aren't looking for it.
Mal's character frustrated me a little bit. He is able to Alina again and instantly makes a decision around how she's feeling and what's happening. The age old trope of not communicating! So many things in live, and fiction, would be resolved if people would only use their words! This was only a small niggling annoyance, and did seem to right itself eventually.
The flashbacks were spliced through the narrative in a way to entice your forward. I wanted to know what the scar was, and how had Alina been able to hide her power for so long. These little tidbits of information kept me invested and the closer I got to understanding it all, the more I wanted to read.
Alina Starkov has always been an orphan destined for obscurity. When she is signed up in the first army as a cartographer, a journey across the Shadow Fold is thrust upon. When the brush of death unleashes a power she doesn't know how to control, she finds herself in the power of the Darkling.
The Darkling exhibits a lot of abusive tendencies which could be triggering for some people who have been in abusive relationship previously. There is mild violence, and mention of blood throughout.
I really enjoyed the Russian inspired setting of this book. I've not read many books which use this area of the world, or this culture, as a backdrop for a fantasy setting. Being on the look out for fantasy that hits a little differently, I am pleased to say that this did.
The unfurling of the events within this book, was at times a little predictable but also not. The relationship between Alina nad Genua was perfectly used to gain favour with our scared and anxious protagonist and I am hoping to see some more of her in the next book.
If I'd not already seen some talks of the Darkling, I believe his character would not have felt half as shady as it did for me. That's on me for having stumbled across some spoilers previously. Despite this, I can see how some people may have felt drawn into this area of the plot. The idea of power radiating a sense of want and drawing people in was executed in a way that I will marvel at. Even though this had nefarious undertones, I can understand how it could be easily missed if you aren't looking for it.
Mal's character frustrated me a little bit. He is able to Alina again and instantly makes a decision around how she's feeling and what's happening. The age old trope of not communicating! So many things in live, and fiction, would be resolved if people would only use their words! This was only a small niggling annoyance, and did seem to right itself eventually.
The flashbacks were spliced through the narrative in a way to entice your forward. I wanted to know what the scar was, and how had Alina been able to hide her power for so long. These little tidbits of information kept me invested and the closer I got to understanding it all, the more I wanted to read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship, and Blood