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madaubosh's review against another edition
1.0
I do this so rarely but this book was a DNF for me. I’m so disappointed. The beginning was so strong and I was hooked. And then the love interested strolled in and BAM, insta love. And I know it’s more complicated than that plot wise but it really lost me. There’s no quicker way to ruin a novel for me. Attraction, intrigue? Sure. Full blow in love? Eh. I might try this again in a few months when I’m not in a slump but I just can’t right now.
literaryluxe's review against another edition
5.0
I wish I'd read this sooner! This is book was everything I need in a book honestly and I'm going to start mentioning this as one of my favorite books every chance I get from now on. Other reviews may disagree, but nothing about this book is predictable. Even the blurb is somewhat misleading with its "once an angel and a demon fell in love" because it is so much more than that. It's like a twisted Romeo and Juliet retelling - with the tragedy included. Taylor's writing just flows and it's not too flowery. Her duology is arguably more "flowery" so this is a great introduction to her work and it's got some humor thrown in here and there. As for the characters, each one is unique with the flaws and strengths that will either make you really hate them or really love them. As for the romance - there is a little bit of Instalove going on in this book. I was going to take off a star, but then I kept reading and discovered that there is a very good/unique reason why that instalove is going on. This is probably the only time I see myself liking that trope in my book. Needless to say, I'm a HUGE fan of how the romance is set up. The worldbuilding is well done to top it off and I truly can't think of many things I disliked about this book. I enjoyed it and it's a new favorite I will be rereading for years to come. Highly recommended!
amandashestokes's review against another edition
4.0
I FULLY thought this was a typical KU book, but I was promptly proven wrong. This is excellent YA fantasy. I knew some of the twists and was DEVASTATED by the ending. Great world building, great plot and pretty decent character development. I am ready to drop everything for the next book..
mmj_reads's review against another edition
5.0
5 stars wont do this book justice. It was amazing and stunning but then the end was terribly heartbreaking. So cruel; it made me gasp. I need 2nd book now!
apricott416's review against another edition
4.0
Like Fallen, with unexpected bad guys and monsters who aren't. It hooked me in and wouldn't let me out.
mirandatamsin's review against another edition
3.0
2.5/3 stars
I'm torn on this one. Really enjoyed the fantasy elements – I liked the chimaera, their world, and the mystery of what the teeth are for. Brimstone was a very vivid character. The flashback chapters from the point of view of Madrigal were also genuinely enthralling to read, a testament to Laini's skilful worldbuilding. All this stuff really kicks in about halfway through, and I would have rated this book 1 star if it hadn't been for how evocative and dreamy "Daughter of Smoke and Bone" became.
On the other hand, the love story between Akiva and Karou was dire. I flicked through about 40 pages that were just too nauseating and eye-roll-inducing to take. And when Laini wasn't writing about their magical and unfathomable insta-love, she was writing paragraphs about beautiful Prague and its "graceful, Slavic" people that felt only a little short of festishistic. Not to mention the unbearable millennial dialogue that characterised Karou and Zuzana's awful friendship. Bleh.
I'm torn on this one. Really enjoyed the fantasy elements – I liked the chimaera, their world, and the mystery of what the teeth are for. Brimstone was a very vivid character
Spoiler
and honestly, the rest of the series doesn't feel worth reading now that he is deadOn the other hand, the love story between Akiva and Karou was dire. I flicked through about 40 pages that were just too nauseating and eye-roll-inducing to take. And when Laini wasn't writing about their magical and unfathomable insta-love, she was writing paragraphs about beautiful Prague and its "graceful, Slavic" people that felt only a little short of festishistic. Not to mention the unbearable millennial dialogue that characterised Karou and Zuzana's awful friendship. Bleh.
shay3li's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
kelli_314's review against another edition
4.0
This book was fantastic!! I loved the characters and the storyline is very unique. The setting is finally in a place other than America or the UK and the plot line is captivating. My only problem with this book was the insta-love situation. They seemingly met each other and instantly were in love (in the past situation). I can't go into more detail because that would spoil it. However, I am very excited to read the next book and continue with the series. This book is very unique and also a spectacular read.