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snackattackisback69's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.75
Graphic: Misogyny, Torture, Violence, Blood, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Terminal illness
clawfoot's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
What I enjoyed were the characters and the general plot. Tobias and Leila are both believable and relatable. I believed their chemistry, and their relationship develped gradually, naturally and never felt forced. I liked the difficult position that put them both in, and how difficult it made some of Tobias' decsions (and how easy, some of them). I very much liked some of the other competitors, even the antagonists. I liked that there were different flavours of antagonist; some were flippant, some were implacable, some were angry. They certainly weren't all the same.
What I didn't enjoy was that I have zero picture of the wider world beyond this arena and this palace, and I'm a little confused by the mythology. The characters say "thank God" and "oh my God" a lot, although there is no further reference to any god or religion. Even though the Saviour herself is "holy" and to speak against her is "blasphemy," there's absolutely no explanation as to how the Saviour fits into the world. IS the Saviour the "god" people invoke? Is it something else? Where does the Saviour's magic come from? How does it work? Does anyone else have it? If the Saviour is killed with no heir, does this nameless god just pick a new one? Or is that it, the world is just doomed forever?
Another thing I didn't enjoy was the fact that it felt like an entirely different novel was happening in the background that we weren't privy to.
And this is a compliment to Moredi's skill as a writer: I'm upset that she didn't write MORE. She managed to portray Leila's situation as complicated and compelling without giving away much about it at all.
I will probably continue to read the series. It's intrigued me enough for that. I do want to know more about the world and about the politics of the situation.
Graphic: Sexual content, Torture, Violence, and Blood
Minor: Sexual assault
the_harlequin's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
0.5
Graphic: Ableism, Biphobia, Body horror, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Gore, Homophobia, Misogyny, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Outing, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
azaelia's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Blood
clarawithc'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? No
3.5
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Bullying, Confinement, Cursing, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment
bree_h_reads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Animal death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Gore, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Murder, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Self harm, Death of parent, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Physical abuse, Rape, and Pregnancy
lilifane's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, and Alcohol
lau_ro's review
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Bullying, Death, and Blood
Moderate: Gore and Slavery
Minor: Misogyny and Physical abuse