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andrew_corduroy's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Vomit and Medical content
jonie_rich's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-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
4.75
This genuinely got weirdly spooky, but it also made me laugh out loud in public. A well rounded book that I genuinely enjoyed. I’m looking forward to continuing the series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Infidelity, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Cannibalism, Medical trauma, Murder, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment
tigerproofrock's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
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
A fun, cozy murder mystery with some wholesome romance and a dash of spice.
Two mid-thirties protagonists feeling past their prime and unsure if they should hope for more out of life. Massive, gentle warrior and tired wallflower craftswoman doomed to awkward interactions that they just can’t quite get right.
Two mid-thirties protagonists feeling past their prime and unsure if they should hope for more out of life. Massive, gentle warrior and tired wallflower craftswoman doomed to awkward interactions that they just can’t quite get right.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore
Minor: Vomit
One nonbinary character, some acknowledgment that queerness exists, some sex positivity for an older character.readandplaydk's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was fine. It was a good palate cleanser -- lighthearted and entertaining. At first, the constant internal dialogue was a little tedious, but I got used to it as the story progressed. I also found Grace to be slightly annoying. I think I've learned that I like a little more edge to my romance! The end of the book was compelling, which might motivate me to continue with the series. Otherwise, I would probably just leave it here.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Vomit and Grief
Minor: Suicide
caseymac's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
(Audiobook, included with Audible) T Kingfisher writes with such warmth and realness in a way I’ve never encountered. I read this because it was free and because I liked Nettle and Bone so much. This is similar in that it’s a low fantasy mystery with rather dark themes, but somehow wrapped in a comforting hug. I highly recommend the audiobook, especially if you need comforting or soothing.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Violence, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Vomit, and Gaslighting
booksthatburn's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
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
4.5
The White Rat books definitely have a trend towards featuring broody men who are good at stabbing things and carry around an enormous amount of (understandable but often overwrought) guilt. Stephen is no exception to this. He is a paladin whose god died suddenly three years ago, which left people disturbed and confused that a god could die, and triggered berserker rages in many of the paladins. The survivors are now in one of the White Rat’s temples, offering their services as protectors, guards, and whatever else the temple needs where muscled and frequently brooding swordsmen are of use. Grace is a perfumer who has an excellent sense of smell and finds herself rather suddenly in trouble.
Grace is so genuinely trusting that she needs someone more cynical and observant around to keep things from turning out badly when people take advantage of her. She can, and has, reset her life after betrayal, but it's so nice to see a part of her life where people help her rather than leaving her to sink or swim in the wake of abuse and betrayal. Stephen and his fellow paladins are living each day without their god, trying to be helpful rather than letting the black tide swallow them. It's nice to read a story where the main characters have lives separate from each other, but it's obvious how their lives are enriched by each other's company and possible affection. Zale is a fantastic wit and an even better lawyer, it's great to see them again.
While technically not a sequel, this is set in the world of the White Rat, mentions places featured elsewhere, and includes at least one character from SWORDHEART. The story itself is entirely new. The worldbuilding focuses on just a couple of locations, but describes places in a way that provides relevant information for this story while giving details which complement what that other White Rat books established. I recommend reading at least SWORDHEART before this, but the main thing that will affect is whether Zale is a new or familiar character.
Grace is so genuinely trusting that she needs someone more cynical and observant around to keep things from turning out badly when people take advantage of her. She can, and has, reset her life after betrayal, but it's so nice to see a part of her life where people help her rather than leaving her to sink or swim in the wake of abuse and betrayal. Stephen and his fellow paladins are living each day without their god, trying to be helpful rather than letting the black tide swallow them. It's nice to read a story where the main characters have lives separate from each other, but it's obvious how their lives are enriched by each other's company and possible affection. Zale is a fantastic wit and an even better lawyer, it's great to see them again.
While technically not a sequel, this is set in the world of the White Rat, mentions places featured elsewhere, and includes at least one character from SWORDHEART. The story itself is entirely new. The worldbuilding focuses on just a couple of locations, but describes places in a way that provides relevant information for this story while giving details which complement what that other White Rat books established. I recommend reading at least SWORDHEART before this, but the main thing that will affect is whether Zale is a new or familiar character.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, and Grief
Moderate: Confinement, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Medical content, and Murder
Minor: Ableism, Animal death, Child abuse, Child death, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Suicide, Terminal illness, Excrement, Cannibalism, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment