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caitsreadingcorner'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? No
3.25
That isn’t why I struggled so much with this book but rather, the characters were the issue for me. I just did not care for Alina at all. She is strong willed in terms of having been through some very hard experiences but a lot of her thoughts were too meek, over modest and whiny. I don’t think she’s a very strong main character and she was extremely (and predictably naive) in thinking the Darkling was romantically interested in her though she is rather plain. I did respect some of the decisions she made in the book but her back and forth feelings towards Mal and uncertainty made her a bit emotionally unstable. She’s not a very grounded or certain individual. She grew on me slightly towards the end but I still wouldn’t consider her badass. Mal is likeable enough but still, I wasn’t much enthralled by him either.
The most well written character in the book is the Darkling. There is a cunning duality to him that makes him mysterious and intriguing. At times he makes you want to root for him and at others, you’re reminded just how powerful and deceitful he truly is. The other characters lack depth in comparison. Overall, decent read. I will continue the series but I don’t have high expectations.
Minor: Violence, Blood, and War
vnfhcxksiw'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? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Genocide, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal death, Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Suicide attempt, Murder, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Colonisation, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
snowiceblackfruit77's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Bullying, Death, Gore, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Grief, Murder, Alcohol, War, and Classism
abby_can_read'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
I can see why this book was popular. I liked it. The worldbuilding and the lore were good.
Graphic: Animal death, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Blood, and War
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, and Death of parent
creolelitbelle'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
5.0
Graphic: Animal death, Bullying, Death, Emotional abuse, Violence, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Gun violence, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, and War
Minor: Grief, Death of parent, and Alcohol
torturedreadersdept'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
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Bullying, Confinement, Death, Genocide, Gun violence, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, Murder, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Child death and Death of parent
pooxs's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Slavery, Toxic relationship, Blood, Murder, Gaslighting, and War
junglejelly's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
While there are many things to like about the book, there were a few things that didn't make it quite perfect. I wanted more:
* Grisha lore;
* location descriptions;
* and connection with the prologue and epilogue.
While not perfect, I couldn't put the book down and I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
Moderate: Animal death, Violence, and Blood
Minor: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, War, and Injury/Injury detail
gabthebookworm'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
4.5
Graphic: Animal death
Moderate: Blood and War
cr1na'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? It's complicated
3.75
Moderate: Bullying, Death, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Colonisation, War, and Injury/Injury detail