swell_gal's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Slavery, and Death of parent
Moderate: Death, Violence, and Sexism
Minor: Rape and Pregnancy
keeperkaylab's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
3.5
rberdan's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I will be honest. I read the first half and a predictable thing I expected had already transpired so I wasn’t terribly invested, and then my Libby loan expired. I skipped my loan a few times and then it came back up a few days ago when I was in exactly the mood to read it while recovering from COVID and let me tell you… I did not put it down until I was done and promptly jumped to book two when I finished.
I know enough about Arthurian legend to understand what’s going on, but I wouldn’t say I’m typically drawn to these stories, which is a testament to the author’s skill at storytelling. Sure, there were some predictable bits… it’s a YA novel and I expect this… but there were also some things I didn’t see coming and some different story elements in terms of both magic and the interweaving of power, elitism, and racism that were deftly woven. By the end of the noon I was already fully invested, and then when I read the author’s notes I retroactively had an even deeper appreciation for the work.
I know enough about Arthurian legend to understand what’s going on, but I wouldn’t say I’m typically drawn to these stories, which is a testament to the author’s skill at storytelling. Sure, there were some predictable bits… it’s a YA novel and I expect this… but there were also some things I didn’t see coming and some different story elements in terms of both magic and the interweaving of power, elitism, and racism that were deftly woven. By the end of the noon I was already fully invested, and then when I read the author’s notes I retroactively had an even deeper appreciation for the work.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Forced institutionalization, Classism, Racism, and Death of parent
Moderate: Slavery, Bullying, and Murder
Minor: Sexual violence and Rape
grassygale's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
babiwluv's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
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
kateivysaur's review against another edition
adventurous
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
nathyvhb's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
mysterious
tense
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
obviously, the golden-eyed dark-haired half-demon boy with gray morals is my choice.
broad_lit_intel's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Definitely a great read if you’re a fan of the world of magic, and an mc who doesn’t back down from bullies, adversities or hardships . Deeply emotional book but that connection takes the fantasy to another level
The author does an amazing job of depicting lies and cover ups molding an entire secret society and the truth crumbling the entire hierarchy. Also if you like snobby aristocrats being forced to see they are not better than the ones they look down upon, this book is for you. overall loved the book and plan to read the sequel
Spoiler
The author does an amazing job of depicting lies and cover ups molding an entire secret society and the truth crumbling the entire hierarchy. Also if you like snobby aristocrats being forced to see they are not better than the ones they look down upon, this book is for you. overall loved the book and plan to read the sequel