The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! š
kathrynleereads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
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The world she built is so complex and ever-growing that I canāt help but marvel at the sheer size and genius of it.
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Eliana - There was absolutely a lot more growth for Eliana in Furyborn, but she still made some pretty significant strides in Kingsbane.Ā
Rielle - Rielle also has some pretty significant character development, but it was far from growth.Ā
Audric, Ludivine, Tal, Evyline, Atheria.Ā
Audric - While Audric does grow as a character in Kingsbane, I still find him a rather cookie-cutter character. Not necessarily in a bad way.Ā
Ludivine - I honestly donāt trust my own thoughts on Ludivine anymore.Ā
Simon - The true star of this book. Iām not even sure how I feel. Or where to start.Ā
Remy - Remy frustrated me a bit during Kingsbane, especially when he decides to shun Eliana because of what happened with Rozen.Ā
Zhara - Zhara is so pure in her love for Eliana, and I have to appreciate a (pretty much) eternal being who doesnāt gatekeep information. Every time Eliana had a question or wanted to know something, Zhara provided the information without hesitation.
Atheria - Every book needs a great fictional pet, and Atheria doesnāt disappoint. She makes it very clear when she doesnāt approve of Rielleās actions, but is also there to support and defend her when needed.
Tal - While Tal on his own is tolerable, I find his relationship with Rielle very odd. The teacher/student sexual tension makes me uncomfortable, especially as Rielle views him as a sort of secondary father figure.Ā
Evyline - Still very much a side character, but definitely one of my favorites. We donāt know much about her, but every time she shows up on the page I smile.Ā
Time Travel
Obviously, time travel has been a part of this story from the very beginning, so Iām a little surprised that I didnāt see more of it coming.
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Sexual Tension
After reading Furyborn, I specifically highlighted the sexual positivity. In Kingsbane, however, it was more like sexual tension.Ā
Beyond the mere excitement, these parallels gave me each time I found one, I am astounded by Legrandās skill.
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After that ending, I could barely keep Lightbringer on my bookshelf long enough to write this review.Ā
Graphic: Body horror, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Death, Gore, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Torture, Violence, and War
Moderate: Infidelity, Slavery, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Kidnapping, Sexual content, and Sexual violence
Minor: Animal cruelty, Pregnancy, and Cursing
junebugreads's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Mental illness, Murder, War, Violence, and Torture
Moderate: Gaslighting, Eating disorder, Toxic relationship, and Sexual content
Minor: Suicide attempt
ka_ke'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: Death, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Grief, Gun violence, Murder, Violence, and War
Moderate: Death of parent, Genocide, Sexual content, Torture, Toxic friendship, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Abandonment