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jennireadsmaybe'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
The conversations around transness and aspec identities are so important and continue to be relevant. A lot of the same topics come up in one, which makes sense because overthrowing a tyrannical and repressive government is only the first step in their journey.
Questions are answered, action is packed, and the romance is romanced. I really enjoyed this and look forward to reading more from H.E. Edgmon. Again, this book is perfect for anyone looking for queer fantasy, messy and chaotic trans/queer characters, and just a funny time.
Graphic: Body horror, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Sexual assault, Transphobia, and Cannibalism
Minor: Animal cruelty, Racism, and Sexual content
saracat'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? Yes
4.25
Some things that Edgmon did differently in this book from the first I liked. Others I’m not sure if I like simply because it broke pattern. Which is just a personal preference.
I really liked how certain things finally clicked into place as more was learned. But I also wish that at least a few small things had answers to them before the close.
While the fates and decisions of some characters made sense, there were one or two that still felt out of sync with everything else.
All this being said. I am still so glad I listened to this audiobook and finished the duology. But, there are a lot of heavy, heavy things that happen in this book. I would say this is definitely heavier then the first. So please practice self care and awareness when reading.
Graphic: Death, Racism, Violence, and Grief
Moderate: Body shaming, Gore, Transphobia, Blood, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal death and Sexual assault
Racism is against witches from fae.kybrary'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
4.0
Graphic: Gore
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Violence, and Murder
olivialandryxo'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
While the whole book was entertaining, the second half was especially thrilling, with many a revelation and plot twist keeping me on my toes. I love that the final showdown included a handful of chapters narrated by various side characters, thus giving us more insight into all that occurred. It really rounded things out, allowing for more detail without risk of the conflict being stretched on for too long. And the ending itself was lovely, so hopeful and honestly just perfect. ❤️
(My potential new ship—Briar/[A Newly Single Side Character]—might not have sailed, and I can see why, but I feel like it could still happen at some point in the future… Here’s to hoping.)
Also, I just want to say that I listened to this duology on audio, and I’m convinced I enjoyed the story more for it. Dani Martineck is a seriously talented narrator, and they did an incredible job with these books. While Wyatt’s chaotic gay inner monologue is hilarious in every format, this one absolutely takes the cake. I’ve never reached the end of an audiobook and wanted more, from it specifically, until now. If I reread, I’m coming back to the audiobooks; if you can get your hands on them, I highly recommend doing so; and if Dani has done any other books, I’m about to go look for them.
Representation:
- gay trans (FTM) protagonist
- Black queer demisexual love interest
- fat indigenous biromantic asexual side character
- nonbinary lesbian side character (they/them)
- various queer side characters & side characters of color (includes a Black character that uses a wheelchair)
- achillean couple (m/m)
- MMF side throuple
- minor sapphic side couple (f/f)
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Animal death, Racism, Transphobia, and Vomit
Minor: Sexual assault, Cannibalism, and Sexual harassment
All things tagged graphic are explicitly on-page, especially in the second half of the book. Most of the rest—excluding animal death and vomit—are only discussed, in varying capacities. Sexual harassment is in regards to a minor, sexual assault to an adult, though none is on-page. Some cannibalism is done by a side character, though again, none is on-page. Racism and transphobia are also discussed, as is gender dysphoria, but the first two are always challenged.smallspoonbigfork'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
Moderate: Sexual assault
itsapaxycab'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: Gore, Blood, and Car accident
Moderate: Racism, Sexual assault, and Transphobia
Minor: Death of parent
karcitis'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: Body horror, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Colonisation, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal death, Child abuse, Confinement, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Terminal illness, Vomit, Police brutality, Cannibalism, Pregnancy, and Dysphoria
betweentheshelves'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
Of course, we get more of Wyatt and Emyr, who are my favorite. I just really loved their chemistry in both books, and their bond gets even stronger in this book. Briar also comes into her own, realizing that she can be someone besides the helped. There were some excellent character arcs throughout this one, and I can't wait to see what Edgmon does next.
Graphic: Body horror, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Cursing, Genocide, and Sexual assault
Minor: Animal cruelty, Racism, and Sexual content
josb'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? Yes
3.5
There were less pacing issues than Witch King but the main problem still remained, there was a lot more tell rather than show. Many of the big revelations happened through conversation which I find more interesting if the conversation follows maybe a series of hints, maybe the MC kindof having an inkling of the reveal.
There were parts where Wyatt was coming to realizations while in quiet moments with his family. This is certainly more realistic, but sometimes I just want to watch cool fantasy people do cool things. The last 30% was very good and did keep me on the edge of my seat. I wish that the book would have been structured so that what happened at the 60-70% mark happened earlier so that there would be more time for natural discovery.
I enjoyed the discomfort around the disruptive agenda of the novel. Certainly not something I would recommend unless you want to challenge your perspective on current systems and how they treat anyone not "preferred" within it. One thing to note is that Wyatt tends to use a lot of gen z/millennial references. I tend to struggle with pop culture references, it was not so bad I couldn't get the meaning through context but if that is not your thing be aware.
There were a few chapters where the perspective shifted and I really saw Edgmon's skill as a writer. While I wasn't completely in love with the delivery for the Witch King Series I am excited to try future works by the author.
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Xenophobia, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Cannibalism and Murder
joeyclowns'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: Homophobia, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Rape and Sexual assault