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misterwisp'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
4.0
The tone is definitely dark and things get pretty violent at times, but it didn't feel like a "grimdark" book. It's not that the book is hopeful exactly but there is a resiliency and perseverance to the main character that keeps the grimdark bleakness and meaninglessness vibe from creeping in. There is always a sense of purpose happening.
Religion is a big theme in the book and seems like it's going to continue to be for the rest of the series. It's hard to say where that thread is going but I liked that the main character was a cynic about it, and that the role of it in the story wasn't purely to have a cliche religion is bad/corrupt statement. It was more nuanced and interesting than that. There didn't seem to be any messaging intended, it's just part of the setting and how the story plays out.
Wanting to see what happens with the main character and the little drops of intrigue about magic stuff made we want to pick up the next book. I'm cautiously optimistic it will be a worthwhile trilogy. This first book was a satisfying experience.
Graphic: Death, Violence, Murder, and War
Moderate: Animal death, Confinement, Mental illness, Xenophobia, Blood, Religious bigotry, and Murder
Minor: Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, and Violence
leedolee's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Bullying, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Excrement, Vomit, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment
levic's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal death, Cursing, Torture, Forced institutionalization, Vomit, Religious bigotry, and Alcohol
goldenluck's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
It was well written, with interesting battle tactics and a world that reminded me of Game of Thrones. But God I was so infuriated by the end I skimmed the last 20 pages and missed nothing of interest.
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Rape and Torture
queenmackenzie's review against another edition
5.0
‘I ask you, Scribe, what meaning is there to truth or lies in this world? As for blood, I have heard of you. I know your tale. History may judge me as monstrous, but you are a far bloodier man than I.’
Graphic: Sexual content, Torture, and Violence
Moderate: Animal death, Cursing, Blood, and Murder
Minor: Vomit