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venomtancitaro's review against another edition
adventurous
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Interesting characters and enjoyable female lead. Primarily character focused and plot was a little slow, but pace overall was moderate. Plot was a little predictable but characters are definitely not black and white so there’s plenty of potential for plot twists! Overall pretty enjoyable :).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Murder
Moderate: Child death, Sexism, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: War
thebookshelfblossom's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- 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
I enjoyed this so much! The narrator was fantastic. I usually prefer multiple POVs, so I was worried I was going to get bored with just one, but I was far from bored.
I got sucked in quickly and thoroughly enjoyed the ride. Diem is a flawed character, but one you root for. You know that in her heart she just wants to do the right thing, but she learns quickly that in life there is no easy solution.
There are real, high stakes. You feel her rage and desperation, alongside with her genuine compassion and empathy for those around her. She is trapped in a system, and seeing her seek a way to break free is as frustrating as it is exhilarating.
The ending absolutely had me on the edge of my seat, ready to jump right into book 2. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions and I’m excited to see where Diem’s story leads.
I got sucked in quickly and thoroughly enjoyed the ride. Diem is a flawed character, but one you root for. You know that in her heart she just wants to do the right thing, but she learns quickly that in life there is no easy solution.
There are real, high stakes. You feel her rage and desperation, alongside with her genuine compassion and empathy for those around her. She is trapped in a system, and seeing her seek a way to break free is as frustrating as it is exhilarating.
The ending absolutely had me on the edge of my seat, ready to jump right into book 2. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions and I’m excited to see where Diem’s story leads.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Gore, Violence, and Murder
sadraven's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Started off strong really enjoyed the world building. Though as we got farther in the story it felt like FMC was very naive and refusing to grow which got a little annoying.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Murder
naluminum's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book started by jumping around the timeline a little abruptly. The context for the conflict between the Descended and the Mortals was well presented and a good representation of class differences and how starkly contrasting the priorities on each side are.
Honestly I felt that Diem was not the main character this story needed. Her actions are often rash and other characters, such as her childhood love interest, imply many times that she is ignorant to how her world works. As a consequence Diem is a force of chaos, disrupting the lives of the mortals just trying to survive and the Descended prince who was the last person to see her mother before she disappeared. And of course the ruthless prince wants to protect her as soon as he meets her, no matter how suspicious and standoffish Diem behaves towards him (mostly her personality, but also involvement with a rebel group). I will read the sequel because I’m intrigued by this MC who entirely overdramatic and I hope to see her mature or fail at embracing her heritage.
Honestly I felt that Diem was not the main character this story needed. Her actions are often rash and other characters, such as her childhood love interest, imply many times that she is ignorant to how her world works. As a consequence Diem is a force of chaos, disrupting the lives of the mortals just trying to survive and the Descended prince who was the last person to see her mother before she disappeared. And of course the ruthless prince wants to protect her as soon as he meets her, no matter how suspicious and standoffish Diem behaves towards him (mostly her personality, but also involvement with a rebel group). I will read the sequel because I’m intrigued by this MC who entirely overdramatic and I hope to see her mature or fail at embracing her heritage.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Classism
hapalyn's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
4 stars
The world is interesting, and I find it to be very intriguing. I like the way the land is, and I think there's a lot more than meets the eye with this series. That being said, it wasn't a 5 star purely because of the STRESS I was stressing while reading. Personal preference, I just like less of the angst there, but I will continue reading.
Also Henri is so insufferable, and I can't stand him. Diem is an amazing character, yet she's so easily persuaded, which I hope to see her grow out of. Rooting for her and Luther.. but also Teller and Lily. Something tells me though that there's going to be a long, slow burn for our main heroine.
The world is interesting, and I find it to be very intriguing. I like the way the land is, and I think there's a lot more than meets the eye with this series. That being said, it wasn't a 5 star purely because of the STRESS I was stressing while reading. Personal preference, I just like less of the angst there, but I will continue reading.
Also Henri is so insufferable, and I can't stand him. Diem is an amazing character, yet she's so easily persuaded, which I hope to see her grow out of. Rooting for her and Luther.. but also Teller and Lily. Something tells me though that there's going to be a long, slow burn for our main heroine.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Cursing, Death, Gore, Blood, Medical content, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent and War
snickerykitten's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
So strong. I appreciate the hella hella slow, snail, not even a kiss until nearly the end of the book and only that kiss, of a burn. Beyond that, the MFC struggle kept me dialed in and into book two. Most current sagas lose me mid way through the second installment, so hopefully this one does not disappoint. The cliffhanger of an ending was 🔥
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual harassment
maggies's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I admittedly did not have super high expectations for this book, but it far surpassed them and then some. The world-building was just complex enough to be interesting and just simple enough to be understandable. The magic system was mysterious and explained at the right times in the right ways. The relationships between Diem and her family and friends were realistic and deep. Any complaints are too minor to warrant typing!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Violence, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
soniajoy98's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- 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
1.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Cursing, Death, Gore, Misogyny, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Child abuse, Drug use, Genocide, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Murder, and War
Minor: Incest, Mental illness, Abortion, and Pregnancy
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