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shelbyrodger's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Violence, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Death, Rape, and Murder
hwildy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Blood, Death, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Drug use, Drug abuse, Vomit, and Rape
Minor: Blood and Racism
star_witch's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Graphic: Sexual content, Sexual assault, Rape, Sexual violence, Drug abuse, Drug use, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, and Sexual harassment
crpettit's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Graphic: Blood, Trafficking, Violence, Gaslighting, Sexual assault, Animal death, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Murder, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, and Suicidal thoughts
catorureads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Something I heard from other reviewers was that were different time lines and that it was difficult to follow. I didn't have any problems with that so for me it wasn't that confusing. I liked Darlington the most and we got the least of him so... I also enjoyed Danes and I didn't hate Alex but she just wasn't my favorite. Plot wise, I don't have much to say. The story intrigued me but I'm writing this review a few days later and I'm starting to forget the plot already. I might pick up the next book, just not right now.
I'm still dipping my toes into the dark academia genre and I'm not sure yet if it's something for me.
Graphic: Blood, Violence, Death, Sexual assault, Body horror, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Rape, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Addiction, Drug abuse, Drug use, and Excrement
sashahc's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Murder, Addiction, Drug use, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Classism
tarawade17'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? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Drug use, Death, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Addiction, Drug abuse, Blood, Body horror, and Gun violence
prairieraven's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Moderate: Addiction, Body shaming, Bullying, Child death, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Medical content, Panic attacks/disorders, Emotional abuse, Sexual violence, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Trafficking, Alcoholism, Car accident, Child abuse, Medical trauma, Physical abuse, Rape, Blood, Body horror, Colonisation, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Eating disorder, Sexual content, Stalking, Suicide, Abandonment, Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Classism, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Excrement, Gaslighting, Grief, Gun violence, Mental illness, Misogyny, Murder, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Suicide attempt, and Violence
carmencolette's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Blood, Physical abuse, and Gore
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Drug abuse, Sexual harassment, Rape, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Vomit, Murder, Drug use, and Adult/minor relationship
wright_rendon_reads'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
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really liked and cared for Alex. She's sassy, tough, and has been through a lot. I enjoyed her character arch and the flashbacks helped flesh her out since the book takes place over a short period. She's a bit of a Mary Sue, and I know we're in a reality with magic but she does dodge death a few too many times. Darlington and Dawes were great side characters and I look forward to seeing them more.
Plot and Pacing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I might be a little skewed on this one since I picked it up as school started and I got sick in the middle of reading it. It definitely wasn't a page turner but the mystery and investigations kept me coming back and reading 30-50 pages in a sitting.
World Building: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Nine secret magic societies at Yale hidden in plain sight? Sign me up. I found the index in the back to be helpful especially since some of the names are similar. I liked the magic in this book and look forward to more in the second.
Themes: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Part of what drew me to the Dark Academia genre was the fact that it critiques academia. This book definitely tackles privilege and fraternity culture throughout.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
It was enjoyable and I want to read the sequel. It definitely is weird at times and would not recommend for everyone.
Graphic: Sexual assault, Gore, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Murder, Violence, Sexual violence, Drug use, Drug abuse, Rape, and Injury/Injury detail