booksjessreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
At first, I felt the direction of the story wasn't where I wanted it to go, but actually, as I got through it, I did enjoy it and felt the progression was natural. I was definitely anxious reading a lot of this book, anticipating the myriad of possibilities that could happen to our characters we we work our way through the 500 page book. I must admit, that at times, it did feel a little long, but in some aspects, I wanted it to be longer.
I did struggle to remember what happened in the first one, but I did feel that the House with the Golden Door made lots of reference to the past book, without being overbearing and whilst also following a new plot. I thought there was good balance here and I appreciated the references because it allowed me to jog my memory.
I wish that some of the previous aspects could have been explored a little more though. I felt as though her money-lending to other women in Pompeii could have been more consistent (although with the circumstances in the book I can understand perhaps why it wasn't), but also I felt that
Spoiler
Rufus was away far too much and a little bit too conveniently so that her relationship with Philos could prosper. Despite how much they grew on me as a couple, I wanted some more struggle in there. I was also anticipating Rufus to find out, which shocked me that he didn't, and I think this is some nice drama for the next book. However, I feel that Rufus was just away all the time and I wanted him to be there more to make things more difficult.Other than this though, it was a really great read. I am excited to see how the trilogy finishes with the new book out in November.
Graphic: Rape, Pregnancy, Violence, Slavery, and Misogyny
Moderate: Infidelity, Sexual content, Eating disorder, Murder, Grief, and Body shaming
laurajeangrace'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
4.5
Graphic: Pregnancy, Slavery, Sexism, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Violence, Death, Sexual assault, Murder, and Rape
Minor: Pedophilia
anne_shouseofdreams's review against another edition
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Stalking and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Blood, Grief, Pregnancy, and Murder
Minor: Fatphobia, Sexual harassment, and Incest
the_ninja_librarian's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Rape, Sexual violence, Slavery, and Violence
Moderate: Murder and Pregnancy
loongbooy'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 shaming, Cursing, Death, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Grief, Murder, Pregnancy, Sexism, Sexual violence, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Violence, Sexual content, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Slavery, Trafficking, and Rape
jamieleepilk's review against another edition
4.5
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Classism, Misogyny, Rape, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Murder, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Domestic abuse, Pregnancy, and Sexism