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linguisticfanatic's review against another edition
So, the character assassination at the beginning of the book of not just Rhen and Harper, but even Grey, the change in POV, and I just never cared to see where they were going and I'm not going to force myself to finish even though I checked and we do change POV back in the final book.
Moderate: Torture
my_current_hyperfixation_hobby'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? No
3.0
Graphic: Torture, Violence, Blood, and War
emilia_thereader's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Graphic: Torture, Violence, and Death of parent
Moderate: Death, Gore, Toxic relationship, Blood, Murder, and War
Minor: Animal death
justagirlwithbooks's review against another edition
3.75
“Choices are never easy. There are good and bad options, but the most dangerous is to not make any choice at all.”
Oh my goodness... WOW. This book went in a completely different direction than I was expecting! We've moved past the Beauty and the Beast retelling and into something more political and dark. This book had so many moments that surprised me, I couldn't believe the actions of some characters, and I can't wait to see how the trilogy concludes!
Graphic: Death and Torture
ameydireads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
This story is mainly told through Grey and Lia Mara’s point of view. Lia Mara is a new addition to the story and she is the first-born daughter of Karis Luran, but definitely not ruthless like her mother. I am very glad that there was no dreaded love triangle.
I hate how Rhen’s character is completely butchered in this book. It’s like they really needed a hero-turned-villain to add some sensation and what would be more controversial than picking Rhen. It makes no sense, especially because he does his best to be a better person and to care for his kingdom and the people around him. He might have been a little entitled before, but the curse really softened him up. Even Grey could see this! So what happened to the Grey who would lay down his life for Rhen? He might not be bound by an oath anymore, but that doesn’t erase the many seasons during the curse where they only had each other. I don't understand the motivation behind some of the choices these characters make and how so many people could give up on Rhen. He deserves better!
Rhen mentions in the past that people don’t trust him enough to make good decisions. AND THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT GREY DOES! If only he told Rhen the truth as soon as he found out. Grey decides to stay away from Ironrose instead, as if that would solve all problems. Rhen is scarred for life by magic and now there’s this magesmith around who is actually the true heir?! Of course Rhen has to go to lengths to protect his kingdom from another magesmith of whom he knows nothing about.
And the ending… are you serious?!
I‘ve wondered many times if I could have enjoyed this story if the plot took a different direction and I think that was indeed a possibility. What if–hear me out–Lilith indeed escapes and Grey didn’t know the truth, stays at Ironrose and searches for this true heir alongside Rhen. After he finds out it’s him that they’re looking for, Rhen gets the chance to see the good side of magic, they go on a quest to unlock Grey’s true potential and then he takes down Lilith in an epic magical battle. Basically, any plot where Rhen is not vilified is acceptable!
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Torture, Violence, and Blood
instalovewithbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
I'm unsure if I loved this one as much as the second but I think what knocked .25 stars was the Rhens ending chapter. What bullshit. 😒
I didn't expect that to happen but I'm very annoyed. 😒 I will still read book 3 though because I'm interested still.
Graphic: Death, Torture, and Violence
jackiepreston's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Death, Torture, Violence, Blood, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
lucia_without_j's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Death, Torture, Violence, and Blood
usjdjfnnffm2737'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
Graphic: Torture, Violence, and Blood
ivegotyourpaperback'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? It's complicated
4.0
- So was Karis Luran happy to let Nolla Verrin kill her one day?
- Was Nolla Verrin supposed to wait until Karis Luran was on her deathbed? Or just whenever she felt she was ready to ascend to the throne?
- And if this is how rulers come to be, what is the point in Karis Luran naming Nolla Verrin as the heir? What use is a specific choice of heir at all in this monarchy?
Moderate: Torture and Murder