cinderellalovesbooks's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
The best character in the was the spider-cat.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Murder, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Torture, Sexism, Grief, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Sexual content, Injury/Injury detail, Gore, Gaslighting, Confinement, and Blood
wanderingmeek's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Bend Her by Cassie Alexander
3 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐
Trigger Warnings: Confinement, Emotional Abuse, Kidnapping, Sexism, BDSM
This book surprised me by having more substance than I expected. Shame on me. I devoured it in less than 24 hours. The plot provided was extremely character driven and the dynamics between the two main characters are enthralling. Also, the glimpses that we get of the world that these characters exist in makes me excited to continue this series. If you find yourself reading for the spice, beware this is most definitely a slow burn.
Overall worth the read.
*Spoilers Ahead*
The author bounces from the POV of Lisane, The Princess of Tears, and powerful mage known as The All-Beast, Rhaim. The dynamics between these characters go from kidnapper/captive to master/apprentice and ultimately to “lovers?”. The main source of pull that Rhaim feels towards Lisane is that she represents his death. For Lisane, Rhaim represents a power and freedom she has always craved.
The world has a magic system that excludes women. Myths surrounding infertility and bursting into flames are meant to discourage women from even attempting to master magic in any substantial way. The magic always requires a sacrifice of its wielder. Rhaim himself has to rein in and control the very real beast inside him that threatens to consume his humanity when he expends too much of his own magic. Throughout this story Lisane begins to believe that she needs to experience physical pain to access her powers that she has been conditioned her whole life to lock away and fear.
Finally…
Did I expect there to be a cute little spider cat that I fell in love with? No.
Did that exact scenario happen? Yes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Sexual violence, Emotional abuse, Confinement, Kidnapping, and Sexism
Minor: Self harm
madravingintrovert's review
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A Beauty and the Beast retelling that shows promise for all the spice and action!! Bend Her has very little spice with only one scene-ish at the end of the book. The tension is ALLLL there though!! There are some content warnings and there is some light BDSM in this book. Nothing too heavy or much but it does set up for more in future books. The Chip like character of Finx is absolutely amazing and I want a Finx of my own. This book has set things up quite nicely for sequels and I can't wait to see what the author does with the story from here.
Thank you to the author for a chance to read the book early!
Thank you to the author for a chance to read the book early!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Self harm, Violence, War, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Sexual content, Animal death, Confinement, Death of parent, Gore, Blood, Death, and Grief
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