cpachet's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-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? It's complicated
3.5
Took me a long time to get into this book, despite loving The First Sister. The plot felt so bleak sometimes and I cried throughout the last third of the book. However, I love that the author made bold choices and pushed the stories to dark places.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Genocide, and Death
salemander's review
5.0
god this book was so good!! sobbed through the entire last fucking half jesus christ i need these characters to get peace. such beautiful writing and the world building is insane!! terrified for the next book but i know it’ll be worth it
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Genocide, Grief, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Body horror, Medical trauma, and War
beesknees's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- 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
I picked up The Second Rebel immediately after finishing The First Sister. The biggest change for me was an increase in rotating character perspectives, including the addition of Lito's sister Lucinina. Although it took effort to keep the wild events happening to each character in order, I was intrigued by each piece of the story, never wanting to rush through a specific chapter and onto the next character perspective. As the second book in a trilogy, I was expecting heartbreak, which was promptly delivered.
One thing I appreciate about this series in general, is how despite the many (many) hardships our characters face, there is always at least a small sliver of hope that keeps you rooting for their success. I appreciate Lewis's determination to create diverse characters, presenting various races, cultures, sexualities, and class--even thought I feel that Lewis could do a more delicate job of showing and not telling. I am genuinely looking forward to the final installment of the series.
One thing I appreciate about this series in general, is how despite the many (many) hardships our characters face, there is always at least a small sliver of hope that keeps you rooting for their success. I appreciate Lewis's determination to create diverse characters, presenting various races, cultures, sexualities, and class--even thought I feel that Lewis could do a more delicate job of showing and not telling. I am genuinely looking forward to the final installment of the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia and War
Moderate: Deadnaming, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Genocide, Blood, and Body horror
jnl00700's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
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
Moderate: Xenophobia, Colonisation, Dysphoria, Genocide, Medical trauma, Medical content, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicide, Transphobia, and War
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