theologize's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- 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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Confinement, Death of parent, Physical abuse, Religious bigotry, Violence, Death, Blood, and Gore
Moderate: Gun violence
charliauthor's review
3.0
I recently finished TYOTW and really enjoyed it. I loved that it was a period drama which added to the sinister nature of the plot and themes and really brought everything to life. The characters were well thought out and the standard types you would find in a setting of this nature, but the inclusion of black/brown people added another element that is largely overlooked. The themes of prejudice and injustices bled into that of race rather than just the cry of witch and that really touched me.
The only reason i dont rate it a little higher is that i expected a much darker ending considering the build up of the plagues etc. I wanted the end to feel a little bit more impactful.
The only reason i dont rate it a little higher is that i expected a much darker ending considering the build up of the plagues etc. I wanted the end to feel a little bit more impactful.
spag's review
dark
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? It's complicated
3.75
rtaire's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry, Racism, and Blood
Moderate: Pedophilia, Sexual assault, and Rape
ilanafay's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bookishlyintroverted's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Scary & spooky! This book haunted me - it was page-turning and intense. A great spooky story for the spooky season.
It's terrifying to think about = an autocratic religion creating life for women where they are submissive, controlled, scapegoated and persecuted. It weirdly reflects some aspects of real life - even though this is supposed to be fiction.
Immanuelle is brave and fierce and loyal - to her family and to her friends, regardless of the danger she puts herself in. Her determination is admirable and her naivety is understandable. But she will always be a much better person than me for wanted to save the people of Bethel, even after everything they had put her through - I would've honestly let them burn.
It's terrifying to think about = an autocratic religion creating life for women where they are submissive, controlled, scapegoated and persecuted. It weirdly reflects some aspects of real life - even though this is supposed to be fiction.
Immanuelle is brave and fierce and loyal - to her family and to her friends, regardless of the danger she puts herself in. Her determination is admirable and her naivety is understandable. But she will always be a much better person than me for wanted to save the people of Bethel, even after everything they had put her through - I would've honestly let them burn.
apintch's review
adventurous
dark
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? It's complicated
5.0
lazygal's review
3.0
One of those Something Apocalyptic Happened books, with witchcraft and female gods and Prophets and all that fun stuff after. There are hints that some cities (countries?) don't share Bethel's religious fanaticism or even their belief system. The Apostles and the Prophet mimic early era LDS leaders, marrying young women, multiple wives and excommunicating members who disagree with them. Note: I'm saying mimic! The burnings and scarring are not LDS practice!
Of course, strong women are frowned upon. But women with a Gift seem to be ok, although it's not quite explained how those came to be; witchcraft is another problem, but what constitutes a witch is a little vague. And that's the biggest problem here: weak world building. Add to that fairly stock characters and, well, it was "meh".
eARC provided by publisher.
Of course, strong women are frowned upon. But women with a Gift seem to be ok, although it's not quite explained how those came to be; witchcraft is another problem, but what constitutes a witch is a little vague. And that's the biggest problem here: weak world building. Add to that fairly stock characters and, well, it was "meh".
eARC provided by publisher.
applezing's review
4.0
This was not the story I was expecting it to be, and I was a little disappointed by that. However, I almost think it was less formulaic than I expected it to be? I thought I had it all figured out based on the title and the blurb, and it consistently defied my expectations. So I would consider that to be a pro, in a way, even though it wasn't quite what I was hoping for. I will say that it was fantastically well written and I definitely enjoyed it!