bkmckown's review
2.0
The overall story was fairly interesting. The sexy parts were indeed spicy. That’s about it.
Now for the stuff I did NOT like:
Let me preface this to say that I don’t like fantasy that much. Especially the ones who refer to characters in full name, the ones that have names that are difficult to pronounce, the ones that have exotic names for every group of people, location, position, etc
The main character is basically a child who is taught in the erotic arts. HUGE WTF! She’s a sex slave. Her first “master” just enjoys inflicting pain- which part of her “curse” makes it pleasurable to her. I felt like it wasn’t BDSM, but just abuse. Maybe there was a time in my life where I’d find this read enjoyable, but this isn’t it.
I did give it 2 stars because the author did create and intricate cast of characters and story, but honestly, I would’ve DNF at any other time.
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Classism, Slavery, Torture, Toxic relationship, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Violence, War, Death, Domestic abuse, Forced institutionalization, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Child abuse, Confinement, Cultural appropriation, and Misogyny
carolibrary's review
3.0
Graphic: Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Torture, Death, Sexual content, Slavery, War, and Rape
Moderate: Self harm, Emotional abuse, and Toxic relationship
bookwisp'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
This book is not for everyone - and that's okay, it's A Lot (if you're in any doubt, please read up on the content warnings, friends). I've never read a premise like it and I don't think I ever will again. Truly epic in scope, with high-stakes political intrigue and complicated geo-political struggles.
Vibe: Dramatic. Dark. Impassioned. Introspective.
Graphic: Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Rape
Moderate: Slavery and Toxic relationship
Minor: Torture
memoriast'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? No
4.5
Graphic: Kidnapping, Sexual violence, and Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Minor: Adult/minor relationship and Racism
100_pages_hr's review against another edition
2.0
Graphic: Blood, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Minor: Death and Death of parent
BDSMmarmalademade's review against another edition
Graphic: Sexual content and Sexual violence
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Violence
anigoose's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Child abuse, Murder, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Violence
Moderate: Ableism, Animal death, Death, Physical abuse, Slavery, Toxic relationship, and Torture