Reviews tagging 'Torture'

Blood Song by Anthony Ryan

4 reviews

kayforpay's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional medium-paced

• 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

one of the few books recently that made me want to cry just because it was over. even though I have the next two in the series, the ending feels bittersweet.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Gore, Torture, Violence, Colonisation, and War

Moderate: Child death, Physical abuse, Sexism, and Religious bigotry

kylieqrada's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional reflective medium-paced

• 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

An absolute banger. Medieval fantasy done right. I'm so psyched that Anthony Ryan has a big backlist for me to dive into.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Violence, Blood, and War

Moderate: Bullying, Rape, and Torture

Minor: Animal death, Cursing, and Death of parent

bookfairy99's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional 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

5.0

Wow. I was absolutely blown away by Anthony Ryan's debut novel! Every page of this book captivated me with its beautiful writing and intricate world-building. The characters were so well developed, and their motivations felt so real that it was easy to vemotionally invest in their story. Vaelin was by far my favourite character, as he's meant to be. I think I fell slightly in love with him by the end. His flaws, his power, his empathy, his incredibly kind heart coupled with his viciousness as a warrior... what's not to love?

The world - populated with unique customs and intriguing political machinations - is incredibly detailed and believable; I could easily imagine stepping into it myself. This attention to detail made for a truly immersive reading experience that kept me eagerly turning pages to discover what would happen next.

The novel's first half, which takes place at the Order where Vaelin and his brothers learn to fight, was incredibly engaging. The second part was terrific, too, but some parts of the plot felt rushed as we sped toward the inevitable climax. Still, Blood Song was a fantastic read – one that I'm delighted to end my year on! So if you're looking for a captivating read full of adventure and mystery, look no further; Blood Song is sure to please! 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Violence, Blood, Abandonment, War, and Injury/Injury detail

Moderate: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Rape, Sexual assault, Torture, Forced institutionalization, and Murder

lady_moon's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

5.0

Reread, 2022: I totally missed this when I read this book years ago but there's a gay character here!! Not of crucial importance, true, but definitely subtly present 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Violence, Blood, Religious bigotry, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail

Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Drug abuse, Rape, Sexism, Torture, Kidnapping, Grief, Abandonment, and Alcohol

Minor: Animal death, Cursing, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Fire/Fire injury