zanazy's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Spoiler
My Favorite Couple: Sera and Daddy Nyktos are the best written couple in this series. Yes, it helps we know they get a somewhat, TBD happy ending, but I still learn a lot and am left wondering how we get from where we are now, to where they are in the main story timeline. As a couple, their love for each other, because YES Nyktos loves Sera is goals. I was all Cas who after ASITE, but this went deeper. We learn more about why Nyktos denied Sera when he was first summoned, and we get to see into the past deal that inevitably intertwines their fates. There are scenes were you get all the warm feels, and there are some heartbreaking, world shattering scenes too. Daddy Nyktos loves fiercely but he has a few moments were the truth would have spared a lot of tears and loves that get frustrating. Biggest gripe is that they each don’t see clearly or refuse to admit how they truly feel to each other.
Our Lead: Sera is complex, imperfect, and a badass. She gives me hope and it’s her flaws that make her so much more relatable and likable than Poppy. For reals…. There is a lot of character growth for her in this book and seeing her form true friendships and feelings for those around her is beautiful. Sera, Nektas, Reaver, and Jadis are just the best.
The Story: To sum it up, not a lot happens to advance us closer to where we are in the main storyline so in that sense, I was let down.
Spoiler
Sera remains a mortal as of when this ends.Overall, Daddy Nyktos and Sera, along with their court of Gods and Draken save this book from being a total filler book. Truly, if you want to read the parts that advance the story, read only the last 5 chapters. Definitely could have been edited better and likely combined with the next book in this timeline, especially since we know where this relationship and the major players end up as of TWOTQ.
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Animal cruelty, Mental illness, Slavery, Torture, Suicidal thoughts, Trafficking, Violence, and War
Minor: Murder, Slavery, Alcohol, Death, Infidelity, Rape, Panic attacks/disorders, and Stalking
hapalyn'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? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Blood, Mental illness, Sexual content, Violence, Cursing, Gore, Murder, Death, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, War, Alcohol, Fatphobia, Medical content, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual assault, Body shaming, Child death, Death of parent, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Torture
hq_reads's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
The ending was very unexpected! I cannot wait for the next book!!! I have theories though….
Spoiler
I think that because Sera has Sotoria’s soul she will ascend when Nyktos removes the embers (because we know from the blood and ash series that he was successful). I think Sotoria will sacrifice her soul and die to save Sera… and I think Nyktos and Sera are heartmates and I think this will restore/has already restored his kardiaGraphic: Death, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Mental illness
Moderate: Confinement, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, and Violence
Minor: Alcohol and Fatphobia
midnacine'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
5.0
*for legal reasons, this is a joke
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Cursing, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Child death, Kidnapping, Mental illness, Sexual content, Death, Fire/Fire injury, War, Gore, Murder, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Terminal illness, Animal cruelty, Alcohol, Grief, Suicide attempt, Confinement, Infidelity, Sexual assault, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Gaslighting, Abandonment, Child abuse, Death of parent, Fatphobia, Rape, Stalking, Vomit, Torture, Toxic relationship, and Body shaming
potatoreader26's review
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Blood, Sexual content, Gore, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Alcohol, and Murder
Minor: Vomit, Body shaming, and Death of parent