alexinvelvet'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? Yes
4.75
I found this second book weaker compared to the first, but a bit more clear. Still a lovely world, and solid story telling.
Graphic: Death and Death of parent
Minor: Rape
xta_07'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? No
4.75
While both the beginning and the end of the book were very exciting and fun to read, I had trouble maintaining my momentum through the middle. What truly carried me through were the characters. They shine in this story; they all feel incredibly real. I really particularly enjoyed
Spoiler
Cywens journey, and her budding relationship with Vedaris and Alcyon. Even though she is their captive, they end up caring about each other.John Gwynne has a knack for taking a tangled spider web of a plot and weaving it all together in a beautiful tear stained tapestry. I am both exited and scared to pick up book 3!
Graphic: War, Blood, Violence, Death, and Gore
Moderate: Rape, Torture, and Confinement
josiah17'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
4.5
The plot for this series is just so digestible and captivating, even in its simplicity. It's very much a "God vs Satan" or a "Good vs Evil" conflict, but it still feels fresh and unique in it's own ways.
The character work is also an improvement in this book over Malice as this book builds on the groundwork that was laid in the previous one. Gwynne is masterful at making you feel attached to his characters.
This book also explores a really interesting portion of the world, and it gives some insight into the differences between giant clans and humans.
I'm really a huge fan of Gwynne's writing. I love it. And as I said after Malice, this series is certainly on it's way to becoming an all-time favorite.
Edit 9/8/23: 4.5 stars now. Still fantastic, but not quite 5 stars like I initially thought.
Graphic: Violence and Gore
Minor: Rape and Sexual assault
surdiablo'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
3.0
Spoiler
the protagonist lost his mom and buried her after a battle.He thought of the cauldron, the black cloud rising from it, the tainted Jehar ripping men limb from limb, Nathair sitting on the dais steps, and finally the old man that he had fought, who had killed his mam. Calidus, Meical had called him. One thought circled in his head like the black birds swirling about the mountain peaks.
They must be stopped.
They must be stopped!
Graphic: Death, Violence, and War
Moderate: Misogyny, Confinement, and Rape
russelmcq's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
A violent, emotional upheaval that grabs you and shakes you.
As a newer fantasy reader and having gone from Tolkien to this, I can appreciate both sides immensely.
Graphic: Torture, War, Injury/Injury detail, Rape, Suicide attempt, Violence, Animal death, Blood, Death, Grief, Murder, Death of parent, and Gore
spinstate's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.5
Moderate: Rape
kat1105'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: Death, Death of parent, Kidnapping, Toxic friendship, Violence, Animal death, Confinement, Gore, Grief, Physical abuse, Torture, Toxic relationship, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Child death, Injury/Injury detail, War, Blood, Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, Murder, and Slavery
Moderate: Child abuse, Trafficking, Ableism, and Abandonment
Minor: Sexual content, Rape, and Sexual violence
ocean_the_reader's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I'm really hoping Veradis either changes sides or helps Nathair realize what's going on. And I knew I was right to not trust the Vin Thalun.
The last 200 pages was such a rollercoaster and the ending made me sob.
Graphic: Gore, Grief, Blood, Murder, Death of parent, War, and Violence
Minor: Rape and Sexual assault
lynnette_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? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Violence
Minor: Rape
jaedia'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? It's complicated
4.25
Graphic: Death, Gaslighting, Violence, War, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Medical trauma, Abandonment, Death of parent, Blood, Domestic abuse, Genocide, Murder, and Slavery
Moderate: Confinement, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Medical content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Physical abuse, and Rape
Minor: Torture, Suicide attempt, Misogyny, Excrement, Fatphobia, Animal death, Alcohol, Vomit, and Body shaming