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bookishgoblin'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
5.0
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal death, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Misogyny, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Abandonment, Alcohol, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
clarabooksit's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Violence, Grief, Murder, and Abandonment
Moderate: Ableism, Animal death, Death, Physical abuse, Rape, Gaslighting, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, and Drug abuse
laurajeangrace'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
4.5
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Murder, and War
Moderate: Confinement, Domestic abuse, Vomit, and Alcohol
Minor: Miscarriage and Pregnancy
rae_diant's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Animal death, Drug abuse, Violence, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
bookishchef's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I mean... the forged ones are basically zombies, no?
Unfortunately, this was incredibly boring until the last third. I listened to it in audio form and it became a stream of consciousness at some point. It didn't feel like the story had a clear direction (or any at all) until the last 30%. It's a shame because the writing is very good and some of the character relationships were intriguing.
Graphic: Animal death, Bullying, and Alcohol
Moderate: Alcoholism, Drug use, and War
bea_reads_books's review against another edition
4.5
Graphic: Addiction and Child abuse
Moderate: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Bullying, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Grief, Gaslighting, and War
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Chronic illness, Drug abuse, and Blood
mariediane016's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.25
Graphic: Animal cruelty and Animal death
Moderate: Violence and Abandonment
Minor: Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Murder, and War
talonsontypewriters's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Animal death, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Violence, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Ableism, Animal cruelty, Confinement, Suicidal thoughts, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Alcohol, War, and Classism
Minor: Alcoholism, Infertility, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Sexism, Suicide, Excrement, Kidnapping, and Fire/Fire injury
Corporal punishment/whipping. Poisoning and aftermath. Near drowning.erebus53'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
4.25
Not everything was a problem to be resolved in this story, which leaves a lot of scope for the future. Clearly, some things are left as origin story and will be threads that can be woven into upcoming chapters. I think the only thing that could seriously turn someone off a story like this is if you hate magic and dogs. I did find it hard to invest energy in the relationships that Fitz has with his dogs, because I could see them being used against me (he reader) to twist some kind of John Wick narrative. I do like that things were internally consistent, and that each character had their own knowledge and motivations.
I LOVE it when I am presented with a simple puzzle, with hints along the way. There are many little revelations that unfold through this story as it is one of espionage, power plays, and secrets.. but also of arcane knowledge, misunderstandings and true affection between people. The relationships carry the story and make it feel less clunky; less a war game and more like a conversation.
I'm looking forward to exploring the world building and the people we meet along the way.
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal death, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Infertility, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Infidelity and Pregnancy
Minor: Animal cruelty, Excrement, Vomit, and War
mvanhaas's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Violence, Suicide attempt, Murder, and War
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, Abandonment, and Alcohol