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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, Toxic friendship, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Suicide and Suicide attempt
redempta's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
tense
slow-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
3.5
3.5 š
This is my first fantasy read. I would never have imagined it.
I didn't like the first part. I had to force myself a bit to move on. This is probably due to the fact that I couldn't get into the universe. I couldn't see anything when I was reading. English isn't my first language, so there were lots of "fantasy words" that I didn't understand and that made it harder to read.
I found the second part (book 2) better and I was more involved and interested. Now I understand why people are invested in fantasy series, the ending makes you want to continue.
This is my first fantasy read. I would never have imagined it.
I didn't like the first part. I had to force myself a bit to move on. This is probably due to the fact that I couldn't get into the universe. I couldn't see anything when I was reading. English isn't my first language, so there were lots of "fantasy words" that I didn't understand and that made it harder to read.
I found the second part (book 2) better and I was more involved and interested. Now I understand why people are invested in fantasy series, the ending makes you want to continue.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Injury/Injury detail, War, Violence, Blood, Death, Bullying, and Death of parent
Minor: Grief
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 3.5/5āļø. 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 3.5/5āļø. 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 of parent, Domestic abuse, Murder, Physical abuse, Suicide attempt, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Classism, Death, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Abandonment, Emotional abuse, Kidnapping, Slavery, Toxic friendship, War, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Alcohol, Child death, Confinement, Pregnancy, Racism, Self harm, and Abortion
Minor: Child abuse, Gaslighting, Body horror, Grief, Infertility, Torture, Cursing, Excrement, Lesbophobia, Xenophobia, Ableism, Incest, Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, and War
margaretudza's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
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
5.0
The best book I could ever read this year, truthfully. I loved everything it had to offer, the world, the characters, the plot-twists, the bloodshed, tears and desire for power. I love Jude so much, and the fact that she is only a human being, no powers, simple brown hair and brown-walnut eyes? Amazing. I loved everything about it! 11/10
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Violence, and Torture
cicizzy's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
It is an interesting dark story. There was not a single actual happy scene in the entire book. Itās just a series of trauma and bad things happening.
There are also no good characters.
I think these quotes by Jude capture her character and the vibe of the story pretty well āIf I canāt become better than them, I will be so much worse
There are also no good characters.
I think these quotes by Jude capture her character and the vibe of the story pretty well āIf I canāt become better than them, I will be so much worse
[ā¦]
Iāll go as far as there is to go. Iāll go way too farā.
If you like grimdark Fantasy you will like this book.
Warning: If you want to consider parts of this romance then it is definitely bully romance.
If you like grimdark Fantasy you will like this book.
Warning: If you want to consider parts of this romance then it is definitely bully romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Sexual harassment
Minor: Violence and Murder
aralalala's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
As a romcom girly, I picked this up because of swoony bookstagram reels, only to be met first with a whole lot of blood, bullying, political conflict, violence, and complicated family relations before the very little romance around the last quarter of the book.
Nonetheless, I devoured this in one sitting.
Itās a complicated and complex tale, and the characters, even more so. Theyāre all questionable, but it was a thrilling ride despite it not being romance-heavy (again, as a romcom girly).
Itās not lighthearted at all and itās not for days when youāre just looking to turn off your brain. It has really dark themes and intense scenes, but overall, itās not as emotionally heavy as others that share similar themes (at least, I donāt feel that way).
The writing is so well done from a technical standpoint. It wasnāt dragging and you had the necessary details you need when you needed it. There were no plot points that did not make sense, and if there were plot-holes, I didnāt notice.
It was very easy to get sucked into its universe, and the plot was compelling enough to keep me turning the page.
Jude is a very strong and lovable character. As complicated as she is, it was somehow very easy to relate with her complexity. It was an exciting ride and I look forward to how the rest of the story unfolds in the series!
Nonetheless, I devoured this in one sitting.
Itās a complicated and complex tale, and the characters, even more so. Theyāre all questionable, but it was a thrilling ride despite it not being romance-heavy (again, as a romcom girly).
Itās not lighthearted at all and itās not for days when youāre just looking to turn off your brain. It has really dark themes and intense scenes, but overall, itās not as emotionally heavy as others that share similar themes (at least, I donāt feel that way).
The writing is so well done from a technical standpoint. It wasnāt dragging and you had the necessary details you need when you needed it. There were no plot points that did not make sense, and if there were plot-holes, I didnāt notice.
It was very easy to get sucked into its universe, and the plot was compelling enough to keep me turning the page.
Jude is a very strong and lovable character. As complicated as she is, it was somehow very easy to relate with her complexity. It was an exciting ride and I look forward to how the rest of the story unfolds in the series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Murder, Physical abuse, Death, Bullying, Death of parent, and Violence
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Grief
Minor: Suicide attempt, Infidelity, Suicide, War, and Cursing
abrielleemory's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was a bit of a letdown after all of the hype on IG and TikTok. I listened to this on Spotify, so please donāt judge me for how I spell the names of characters.
I thought Jude was insufferable. She did the classic. Iām a strong, independent woman thing while also being too scared to stand up for herself half the time her obsession with her twin sister was so weird to me and that twist at the end made me very proud of Taryn. Vivienne was SO ANNOYING like she really tried to be the disinterested, cool older sister but was so removed that she had no character development.
I know this is framed as an enemies to friends situation, but I wish they wouldāve stayed enemies the weird love thing just really didnāt click for me.
The authors overuse of descriptive language was really distracting. I understand she was trying to describe the world or do some world-building, but it kind of fell flat for me and was really over exaggerated.
I thought her becoming the spy was cool and I liked the other spy characters, but she just really annoyed me as a female main character.
I donāt think Iāll be reading the next books and Iām kind of glad that I listened to this as a free audiobook.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Grief, Murder, Self harm, Blood, Violence, Death of parent, Death, and Physical abuse
imgoingonanadventure's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Bullying, and Racism
Moderate: Suicide
kailynreads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
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? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Violence
Moderate: Suicide, Alcohol, Murder, Blood, and Death of parent
Minor: Slavery and Abortion
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: Death of parent and Bullying
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Violence, Murder, Toxic friendship, and Physical abuse