sophiexxjones's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-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
3.75
The majority of this book was incredible. It was tense, suspenseful, emotional and a delight to read. I was so intrigued and excited by the political and philosophical aspects. I could not put it down.
But, after the first half of the book, where the plot is so action-driven, a romance is stuffed in. At first, I welcomed it, and enjoyed it, but it became a pain when it was clear that the book would focus on it, rather than keep it as a subplot, then awkwardly weave it into the plot. As with most YA dystopian novels, when the plot and romance are both too big to be evenly balanced, they both end clumsily tied-up in the last few chapters.
By the end, the novel had started to do the thing in books that I hate the most, which is when the author tries to stuff as many plot twists and betrayals into the climax as possible, which just results in a poorly-paced, confusing and dissatisfying ending. I enjoy fast-paced books, but by this point, I was getting whiplash and had no time to process anything or feel with the characters.
It just felt like too much by the end - I didn’t know who to root for and finishing it felt like a chore. Disappointing, because the concept and world-building is truely amazing.
But, after the first half of the book, where the plot is so action-driven, a romance is stuffed in. At first, I welcomed it, and enjoyed it, but it became a pain when it was clear that the book would focus on it, rather than keep it as a subplot, then awkwardly weave it into the plot. As with most YA dystopian novels, when the plot and romance are both too big to be evenly balanced, they both end clumsily tied-up in the last few chapters.
By the end, the novel had started to do the thing in books that I hate the most, which is when the author tries to stuff as many plot twists and betrayals into the climax as possible, which just results in a poorly-paced, confusing and dissatisfying ending. I enjoy fast-paced books, but by this point, I was getting whiplash and had no time to process anything or feel with the characters.
It just felt like too much by the end - I didn’t know who to root for and finishing it felt like a chore. Disappointing, because the concept and world-building is truely amazing.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use, Grief, Sexual assault, and Suicide
thebougiebookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This one has been sitting on my shelf for so long, I had completely forgotten what it was about! I’m actually kind of glad I went in blind!
What I enjoyed most was the uniqueness of the Diabolics. Nemesis was a compelling narrator because we got an inside glimpse of her struggle to understand who she was really was at odds with what she had always been told. It made her relationships mean so much more.
I’m not quite sure how I feel about the ending. I have my doubts still, but this IS a trilogy, so I suppose I’ll have to pick up the next two to figure out what happens next!
All in all, this was a page turner, action packed ride with a hint of romance and a lot of emotions. The “fight for the throne” motif made it such a great transitionary novel for someone like me who spends most of her time in the fantasy genre. Definitely recommend!
What I enjoyed most was the uniqueness of the Diabolics. Nemesis was a compelling narrator because we got an inside glimpse of her struggle to understand who she was really was at odds with what she had always been told. It made her relationships mean so much more.
I’m not quite sure how I feel about the ending. I have my doubts still, but this IS a trilogy, so I suppose I’ll have to pick up the next two to figure out what happens next!
All in all, this was a page turner, action packed ride with a hint of romance and a lot of emotions. The “fight for the throne” motif made it such a great transitionary novel for someone like me who spends most of her time in the fantasy genre. Definitely recommend!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Animal death
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, Xenophobia, and Genocide
crypticcabal's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
njthk'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? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Slavery, Sexual assault, and Gore
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Rape
fruity_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Grief, Injury/injury detail, Medical content, Violence, Toxic relationship, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Rape, Murder, Mental illness, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Gore, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, Confinement, Bullying, Body horror, and Blood
angeldawn's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
aimeereads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
- underwhelming, could've been better
- not exactly homophobic, but i'm pretty sure they pulled a bury your gays
- the court intrigue was enjoyable, but lord it was not convincing?? the concept was there, but the execution??? sloppy
- where are the content warnings??? they should be on the cover ffs
- would-be slow-burn wasn't executed well either, and really doesn't make any sense
- also, i despise the narrative of strong female warriors becoming soft and shit for random men??? like what is the reason??
- and lastly, the sci-fi changing your appearance elements were low-key racist
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Bullying, Death, Drug use, Genocide, Slavery, Gore, and Violence
Minor: Rape and Sexual assault
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