thelittlewolf45's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Minor: War, Violence, Sexual assault, Vomit, Rape, Pedophilia, Misogyny, Trafficking, Torture, Sexual violence, Pregnancy, and Kidnapping
stephen_welch93's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Death, Blood, Suicide, Gore, Murder, and War
Moderate: Rape, Trafficking, Violence, Vomit, Xenophobia, Animal death, Torture, Animal cruelty, Alcohol, and Cursing
Minor: Pregnancy, Physical abuse, Self harm, Cannibalism, Genocide, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Fire/Fire injury, Racial slurs, Child abuse, Colonisation, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Excrement, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
gameoftomes's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Very harsh, a lot of players in the game without the needed characterizations or backstories. But I’m a lover of YA fantasy, which is frequently character-driven.
Spoiler
I understand that in Ciri’s precarious position late in the book that there is a realistic threat of rape. But having Mistle save Ciri from being assaulted only to then have it be very unclear as to Ciri’s consent is too much for me. The text disgusts me: “a warm and wet well of resignation and helpless submissiveness. A disgusting and humiliatingly pleasant submissiveness.” I’m not sure if things were lost in translation, or if that is what the writer considers female consent is. It’s especially disturbing because Ciri is 14 and frequently described as being not far from childhood. I know she’s dealt with a lot in terms of survival and war. I know she’s been trained in violence and combat by witchers. But the unclear consent and circumstances surrounding it just doesn’t feel right. There’s no romance, no lust. Ciri’s not an adult, not in a position of power, barely in a position of safety, and the text quickly moves on from it, showing Ciri being tender with Mistle and being a full member of the gang.There are a lot of great plot twists and switching allegiances before that. Unfortunately I feel like there isn’t as much of a story payoff as there could be, considering the reader gets very little detail and characterization of the key players beforehand. I think the Netflix adaptation of these storylines could greatly improve upon this narrative and give the viewer a satisfying, thrilling, and enthralling watching experience. Fingers crossed.
Graphic: Gore, Violence, Blood, and Death
Moderate: Xenophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Murder, Animal death, Misogyny, War, and Kidnapping
Minor: Grief, Sexual violence, Suicide, Cursing, Trafficking, Vomit, War, Rape, and Torture
goizi'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? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Bullying, Cursing, Death, Gore, Misogyny, Murder, Racism, Rape, Sexism, and Sexual violence
Minor: Slavery and Trafficking
rachaelbunny's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Cursing, Xenophobia, Violence, Torture, Trafficking, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Sexism, Rape, Racism, Physical abuse, and Genocide