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emily_mh's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- 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
3.5
The book had a couple of things going for it. The magic system was incredibly unique. There wasn't just one type of magic present, and each type had been really thought out. I found Eva's the most interesting, especially the marrow aspect. Additionally, I really enjoyed the world building. It is mostly transmitted through Eva's POV, but there are great snippets of it in stories told by Baccha. I also liked how real Eva felt in her responses to what was happening around her.
However, apart from these things I found this read to be kind of underwhelming. It was just a bit boring - not slow-paced, but not a lot happened. I also couldn't back the romance as although Aketo's age is never explicitly stated, it is implied he is 20, when Eva is 16. Also, for a plot based on sibling conflict, Eva's sister Isadore barely features. I'm hoping that the second book (and conclusion to the series) amps things up a bit!
However, apart from these things I found this read to be kind of underwhelming. It was just a bit boring - not slow-paced, but not a lot happened. I also couldn't back the romance as although Aketo's age is never explicitly stated, it is implied he is 20, when Eva is 16. Also, for a plot based on sibling conflict, Eva's sister Isadore barely features. I'm hoping that the second book (and conclusion to the series) amps things up a bit!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Body horror, Gore, Racism, Slavery, Torture, Toxic relationship, Xenophobia, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, and Colonisation
Minor: Ableism, Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Medical content, Kidnapping, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and War