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madamenovelist's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Child death, Death, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Murder, Colonisation, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual harassment
Minor: Grief
vagaybond's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Death, Violence, Murder, and War
Moderate: Gore, Grief, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child death, Confinement, and Death
annorabrady's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Violence and War
Moderate: Sexism, Police brutality, Kidnapping, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Misogyny, Self harm, Grief, Death of parent, and Gaslighting
shoni'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? Yes
4.5
I did think at times it was a bit repetitive but one way this book is described is as cat-and-mouse and it honestly does give you that. You know that they're gonna chase each other, almost get caught, and then escape. It made it fun and interesting. Plus, I will always support a good enemies-to-lovers plot. Sure, it isn't as intense as others but I was happy with it. I also appreciated that the foreshadowing was done so well. Nothing seems too crazy that you could have come to the conclusion but enough to make you feel shocked when you do find out the truth.
I did really like Esha. I do wish we saw more of her vicious side as the Viper, but it makes sense that when you are on the run you are more focused on surviving than trying to be ruthless. Don't wanna leave a trail of bodies behind when you are trying to blend in, so that does make sense. But I love how she had her path and she didn't let anything or anything change that. Which I appreciated because no boy is gonna get in the way of revenge.
Kunal and mine relationship was rocky but he won me over, especially once you got into Esha's POV about him. He's a great character and he does show the struggle of what you believe is right vs what you are taught is right. Nothing is ever that black and white and I love the way Swati wrote it because at the moment you don't think to much about it you ignore it. You go with what you know until something comes to actually have you make a decision. And that was shown in Kunal's character.
I am excited to see where the story goes and I am going to have to get my hands on the second and third books as soon as I can.
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, and Violence
maple_dove'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? Yes
4.0
I think I should be honest, I had a hard time thinking of Esha as this ruthless assassin. Her actions don't really match her notoriety.
The world is beautiful but this book doesn't feel unique (again, not all books have to be unique).
Definitely reading the next book.
Graphic: Hate crime, Misogyny, Self harm, Sexism, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Death, Blood, and War
Minor: Genocide, Sexual content, and Death of parent
lizgriffinwords's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Minor: Death, Violence, Death of parent, Murder, and War
rensreading's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
esha was my everything. she was deadly and beautiful with enough of a soft heart to really draw you in and keep you there. im a sucker for a tortured and morally ambiguous mc thought so that was no surprise.
kulan faltered sometimes but his character development was superb. i’m glad he’s able to make his own life decisions now. i hope he keeps making the right decisions and stay true to his choice of sticking by esha. they deserve each other.
4.5 stars from me (:
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death, Grief, Death of parent, and War
Minor: Genocide, Torture, Toxic relationship, and Religious bigotry