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scifi_rat's review against another edition
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Violence, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Gaslighting
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Bullying, Cursing, Blood, Pregnancy, and Classism
saskiajva's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual assault, Blood, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Forced institutionalization
kaiyakaiyo's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
My only complaint was that it felt like Anna’s “power” wasn’t explored much, but then I saw the dreaded word on the digital cover: trilogy. Guess I’m strapped in for more, though I think I would’ve really liked this as a stand-alone
Graphic: Body horror and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexual assault, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Self harm
collettem27's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Gore, Misogyny, and Violence
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual violence
taylorwells149'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
4.5
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Child death and Misogyny
mysimas's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Sometimes I felt like I was reading one of those horsegirl stories for young teens — seriously, the obsession of this book with horses is astounding — but other than that, I was sucked into the 14th century Russia and fell in love with both its human and magical inhabitants alike (with the exception of Konstantin who was a major creep and eerily similar to Hugo’s Frollo — ew, just ew, get them away from me!!).
There’s strong themes of religion (Christianity killing the old gods and in extension the humans) which I didn’t mind as I’m not Christian (but I can see why some Christians wouldn’t be happy with this theme), and just as strong themes of female oppression, and it was cathartic to see Vasya’s small victories in this regard.
My major complaint is the book ends rather abruptly and some questions remain unresolved (such as thee importance of Vasya’s blue pendant). Maybe they’ll be dealt with in the sequels??
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Religious bigotry, and Death of parent
Moderate: Animal death
joygarcialim's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, and Death of parent
Moderate: Misogyny
vigil'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? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Child abuse, Death, Misogyny, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Pregnancy
lisa_m's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
I really enjoyed the discussion of religion and missionary work, but what really sold me was all the russian folklore! I love mythology and I want to read more retellings / mythology inspired books about different parts of the world.
I have to say that someone told me that this book is an enemies to lovers story and that is just not true? There is no romance, or at least it's not a main focus at all! I actually really liked that about this book. Also I am a big fan of the 'wild girl' trope :)
The ending was bittersweet but I really liked it. I didn't cry though, which made me realise, that I wasn't truly connecting with the characters. That is normally a big dealbreaker but this time I didn't actually mind that much. I guess the book is a 'vibes before plot' kind of book and it's very slow paced as well (but it's also quite short).
I am so excited for the other two books in the trilogy though I'm surprised it is a trilogy at all. This book could have been a standalone as well. I am interested to return to this world though and there are a lot of things I still want to hear more about.
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Violence, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Pregnancy, Gaslighting, and Classism
thewildmageslibrary's review against another edition
4.0
Definitely going on my new faves list.
CW: y'all it's set in like the 14th century so
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, Blood, Religious bigotry, and Death of parent
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Rape