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fkshg8465's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Excited to read the third installment as well as the prequel as soon as they come off hold at my library.
Graphic: Addiction, Bullying, Child death, Confinement, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Rape, Sexism, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Grief, Religious bigotry, Suicide attempt, Murder, Pregnancy, Outing, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, War, and Injury/Injury detail
johannaplatt'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? No
2.0
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, and Pregnancy
deadhouseplant's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Miscarriage
kat1105'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, Child abuse, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
katielaine_w's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Toxic relationship, Stalking, Murder, Pregnancy, and Sexual harassment
kpem's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Another thing that bothered me was the way that Matthew's "blood rage" was discussed. I worry that the text wanted us to think of his blood rage in the same way that we think of mental illness. If this is the case, I am disturbed by the way that it was portrayed as purely genetic and mostly out of his control. I also have a hard time accepting the sacrifices that Diana has to make to deal with his blood rage. I know their relationship is meant to be fated in the series, but I think it's dangerous to use that as an excuse to keep characters in an abusive relationship and treat it like it's romantic. I was particularly bothered by the couple deciding that Matthew would drink Diana's blood, making it impossible for her to keep any secrets or thoughts/experiences to herself, to calm his rage. I don't think she should have to trade away any privacy for a husband who treats her with kindness. He may have had a real reason (the blood rage) for his struggles, but that doesn't mean Diana should have to be in a relationship with no boundaries and constant struggle.
Overall this was much better than the first book, in my opinion. It was dense, long and sometimes meandering, but usually interesting enough to stick with. I still have massive issues with Matthew, though this sequel did some work in making him a bit more sympathetic. The best parts by far, for me, were the times when Diana was with the characters that were new to the series, learning more about herself and her own powers.
Minor: Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, and Blood