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swally2005's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
This book is super slow and does not pick up until the second half of the book. I was listening to the audiobook version and it took until 65% was completed, before anything interesting happened plot-wise. I don't know why people hype up this book and the relationship dynamic between Jude and Cardan, maybe it changes in the later books; but in this book, Cardan and his friends are sadistic assholes who despise Jude for being human, and regularly torture her, going even so far as physical assault. There's nothing charming about Cardan's personality at all, and he doesn't even begin speaking to her like a human being, until after his entire family is murdered and she kidnaps him and ferrets him away for use in her power games. Even then, the attitude change is mostly brought along by the fact that she's constantly threatening to kill him, and she's also bound him to her commands.
If you can get through the first half of the book where it's basically Jude fluctuating from making reckless half-assed decisions out of murderous rage, to whining in self-pity when she has to deal with the consequences, you may find it worth continuing the series. Essentially the ending comes down to Jude playing Kingmaker, and in future books she'll likely have to find a way to deal with power games and intrigue in court, so hopefully that means for more interesting plots down the road.
An additional heads up for those who are listening to this via audiobook, this author's writing style is a bit verbose and weird; she also doesn't use many contractions for some reason, so when the narrator reads, the speech sounds very odd to the ear. Some people might find it a difficult listening experience.
If you can get through the first half of the book where it's basically Jude fluctuating from making reckless half-assed decisions out of murderous rage, to whining in self-pity when she has to deal with the consequences, you may find it worth continuing the series. Essentially the ending comes down to Jude playing Kingmaker, and in future books she'll likely have to find a way to deal with power games and intrigue in court, so hopefully that means for more interesting plots down the road.
An additional heads up for those who are listening to this via audiobook, this author's writing style is a bit verbose and weird; she also doesn't use many contractions for some reason, so when the narrator reads, the speech sounds very odd to the ear. Some people might find it a difficult listening experience.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Torture, and Toxic friendship
vexillia's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
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
-plot-
The premise of the book is easy to follow and understand. Jude wants to be a knight and more over wants to belong with the Faeries. It's a great introduction to fantasy novels that isn't too overly complicated with dark themes balanced with mystery amd the occasional lighthearted moments. The twists are great in my opinion and was a intriguing read
-characters
I love Jude. Her attitude and humor (though unsure at times she meant to be funny, at least to me) was pleasant. It's easy to connect to being an outsider and wanting more for yourself and in the process possibly losing yourself. The other characters were fun and I'm intrigued to read the rest of the series to see what secrets they hide and more depth to their characters that don't meet the eye. Already I love Cardan and Oriana.
-world building-
Don't go into this thinking it's like Acotar or a typical fantasy. I would compare this more to the world that the ShadowHunter Series from Cassandra Clare comes from, it's a mix of the real world clashed with true fantastical magic. Toads and trolls and mermaids and imps and such. It gives a far more childlike fantasy that you'd find in a storybook. I found it a tiny bit jarring sometimes with mention of Target and such but it's a fun world.
-spice-
This book isn't very spicy with a little fluff here and there but one scene really had me wishing for more and a desire to see how far the author will go but I did enjoy the focus more on character building and the plot, not being too steamy but just enough to get a taste.
-readability-
I devoured this book and usua,ly if I enjoy a book I savor it. This was hard to put down once we got halfway thru the book. Again I think it's a easy to follow plot and interesting enough storybook type fantasy for beginners to delve their toes in but also a pleasant read for lovers of storybooks that created wonder for us as children and can enjoy that along with some of its dark undertones.
The premise of the book is easy to follow and understand. Jude wants to be a knight and more over wants to belong with the Faeries. It's a great introduction to fantasy novels that isn't too overly complicated with dark themes balanced with mystery amd the occasional lighthearted moments. The twists are great in my opinion and was a intriguing read
-characters
I love Jude. Her attitude and humor (though unsure at times she meant to be funny, at least to me) was pleasant. It's easy to connect to being an outsider and wanting more for yourself and in the process possibly losing yourself. The other characters were fun and I'm intrigued to read the rest of the series to see what secrets they hide and more depth to their characters that don't meet the eye. Already I love Cardan and Oriana.
-world building-
Don't go into this thinking it's like Acotar or a typical fantasy. I would compare this more to the world that the ShadowHunter Series from Cassandra Clare comes from, it's a mix of the real world clashed with true fantastical magic. Toads and trolls and mermaids and imps and such. It gives a far more childlike fantasy that you'd find in a storybook. I found it a tiny bit jarring sometimes with mention of Target and such but it's a fun world.
-spice-
This book isn't very spicy with a little fluff here and there but one scene really had me wishing for more and a desire to see how far the author will go but I did enjoy the focus more on character building and the plot, not being too steamy but just enough to get a taste.
-readability-
I devoured this book and usua,ly if I enjoy a book I savor it. This was hard to put down once we got halfway thru the book. Again I think it's a easy to follow plot and interesting enough storybook type fantasy for beginners to delve their toes in but also a pleasant read for lovers of storybooks that created wonder for us as children and can enjoy that along with some of its dark undertones.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Violence, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Racism, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and Classism
k3nzi3's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
tense
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
4.0
very entertaining but i would also not put this in the young adult book section like it was in my book store. (both jude and cardan's families are fucked up)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Suicide and Suicide attempt
noellegrace8's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
It took me about 25% of the way through to start truly enjoying this book. Because it takes the path of a slow reveal of situations and motivations, the beginning groundwork can be almost frustrating because you don't know why some people are acting the way that they are. Also, for a book with so much death and otherwise adult themes, the characters and the writing style both are a bit juvenile at times. I struggled at first with the incongruency of a lack of contractions in dialogue mixed with colloquialisms like "that sucks," but I eventually got used to it and do recognize that it makes sense given the setting. I also really hate first person present tense because it feels overdramatic and impractical, and this book uses it throughout.
That being said, I really like the main characters. Some of the side characters are a bit flat, but Jude, Cardan, Maddoc, Vivvie, Dain, Taryn, Oriana... none of them are "good" or "bad." They just are. They make decisions, they have instincts and natures that make those decisions difficult. I love the complexity! I also think this book set up a series (trilogy) well, so I'm hoping to like the next two even more! The worldbulding is awesome. Holly Black has created a very interesting mix of "fae" and "mortal," complete with rich history and quirks and physical descriptions.
I don't factor audiobook reader into my overal star rating, but I give Caitlyn Kelly 3.5/5⭐️. Honestly, I think she was part of the reason I struggled to get into this book, but there's no telling for certain. She oftentimes doesn't seem to read with the same cadence that the words on the page suggest. She also has a cheesy tone when voicing male characters and over-acts when it comes to emotional (and even sometimes non-emotional!) scenes.
That being said, I really like the main characters. Some of the side characters are a bit flat, but Jude, Cardan, Maddoc, Vivvie, Dain, Taryn, Oriana... none of them are "good" or "bad." They just are. They make decisions, they have instincts and natures that make those decisions difficult. I love the complexity! I also think this book set up a series (trilogy) well, so I'm hoping to like the next two even more! The worldbulding is awesome. Holly Black has created a very interesting mix of "fae" and "mortal," complete with rich history and quirks and physical descriptions.
I don't factor audiobook reader into my overal star rating, but I give Caitlyn Kelly 3.5/5⭐️. Honestly, I think she was part of the reason I struggled to get into this book, but there's no telling for certain. She oftentimes doesn't seem to read with the same cadence that the words on the page suggest. She also has a cheesy tone when voicing male characters and over-acts when it comes to emotional (and even sometimes non-emotional!) scenes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Child death, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Self harm, Slavery, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, Abortion, Pregnancy, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Alcohol, and War
Minor: Ableism, Body horror, Child abuse, Cursing, Incest, Infertility, Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Xenophobia, Excrement, Grief, Lesbophobia, Gaslighting, and War
hagwife's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I think this novel is indicative of how I feel about Holly Black as a writer: when it's good, it's great, and the rest of the time its a bit lackluster.
The first half of the book is a mess of different threads, and while I'm not against complex stories and layers, there's so little but Jude's anger at the beginning to pin it all together. You can add bits of information in without revealing their importance and without making them seem extraneous. Jude's anger is also too unfocused for me for most of the book. I get that we're supposed to watch her carve out a place for herself in Faerie, but she has so little follow-through for the first half. Maybe that's meant to be her humanity warring with her desires. There are few fun dynamics to sort out, even if the reveals aren't earth-shattering ( intensity like Cardan's almost never translate's directly to hate and as if Locke isn't playing a long game for the matched set ).
I do enjoy Madoc's character a lot, if only because he's one of the few fae who really feel like a fae. He's true to his instincts and his passions: war, family, loyalty, and power. Everything he does revolves around those in excess, excess that matches his intensity. Most of the fae feel a little too human or watered down, more like spoiled magician's than faeries.
What is utterly remarkable is the end of the first book, because even though you know that Jude has to have a way to keep the throne for 7 years, you don't expect her to crown Cardan to do it. That we don't know about it is a trifle annoying. (It's a pet peeve of mine when we're in first person and something is deliberately hidden from the audience, because why would the narrator hide that from their inner monologue?) However, that twist and the clashing of your glee as the reader and Cardan's fury is priceless. Up until the twist I wasn't sure I was going to read the rest of the series, but I am now officially intrigued.
The first half of the book is a mess of different threads, and while I'm not against complex stories and layers, there's so little but Jude's anger at the beginning to pin it all together. You can add bits of information in without revealing their importance and without making them seem extraneous. Jude's anger is also too unfocused for me for most of the book. I get that we're supposed to watch her carve out a place for herself in Faerie, but she has so little follow-through for the first half. Maybe that's meant to be her humanity warring with her desires. There are few fun dynamics to sort out, even if the reveals aren't earth-shattering (
I do enjoy Madoc's character a lot, if only because he's one of the few fae who really feel like a fae. He's true to his instincts and his passions: war, family, loyalty, and power. Everything he does revolves around those in excess, excess that matches his intensity. Most of the fae feel a little too human or watered down, more like spoiled magician's than faeries.
What is utterly remarkable is the end of the first book,
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Death of parent
Moderate: Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Violence, Murder, and Toxic friendship
dlsmk's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
luziebohnel's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
because I think the book is written too simply. It's not engaging and there are too many characters and names to digest in the first 20 pages. I also don't think the death of Jude's parents is portrayed as sad. I also find it strange to describe how they die.Furthermore, some of this book borders on abuse. Just the scene where they practically drug Jude (an apple) and then force her to take off her clothes is not okay. “Enemies to Lovers” is fine to a certain extent, but I think that’s where it ends. In the first 100 pages alone, Jude is almost killed by him twice and he enjoys it in the most disgustingly perverse way. In addition, Jude is somehow strangely sexualized by the author. For example.
she doesn't wear underwear under her clothes to appear more "real"?! All in all I'm very disappointed with the book because Holly Black can write really good books (Spiderwicks)but this one was not it,It seems like one of those Wattpad stories
( read the german Version )
she doesn't wear underwear under her clothes to appear more "real"?! All in all I'm very disappointed with the book because Holly Black can write really good books (Spiderwicks)but this one was not it,It seems like one of those Wattpad stories
( read the german Version )
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug abuse, Hate crime, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
emileecarter's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is my favorite fantasy series/ trilogy of all time. You are meant to hate some of the main characters.
I find Jude highly relatable.
Please be aware that this is a political fantasy. While it does contain a romance or two, it is not the focus. Please only read if you are ready for a mysterious, action packed, political fantasy.
This book has never read as YA to me. It contains some heavy, heavy themes. For example, Jude dealing with the confusion of loving Madoc as the father that raised her and hating him for what he's done, and how she feels wrong for her feelings.
Truly, an incredible read.
I find Jude highly relatable.
Please be aware that this is a political fantasy. While it does contain a romance or two, it is not the focus. Please only read if you are ready for a mysterious, action packed, political fantasy.
This book has never read as YA to me. It contains some heavy, heavy themes. For example, Jude dealing with the confusion of loving Madoc as the father that raised her and hating him for what he's done, and how she feels wrong for her feelings.
Truly, an incredible read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Gore, Self harm, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Toxic friendship, and War
readyourrights's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Slow start but the political intrigue and interpersonal drama really hooked me. Great twists and entertaining!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Violence, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Alcoholism and Toxic friendship
seapotatohowisitalrtaken's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Violence, Murder, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Body shaming, Alcohol, and Classism