itspronouncedtessa's review against another edition
2.75
But.
Do modern writers understand they're writing fiction? An untrue story, something they, in fact, made up? Even if it's "grounded in the realities of rural life at the time", it's still fiction.
The author admitted she'd fudged with the ages of actual historical figures to better fit the story, but when it comes to the fictional characters, she just has to, needs to, have a middle-aged man (who we are supposed to root for) marry and rape a child? Repeatedly? And describe him longing for her "tight body"?
Why? It did not serve the plot and absolutely nothing would have been different if the ages had been changed. If there had been a smidgen of consent.
"But it's historically accurate"
Motherfucker, it's a fairy tale. There are demons and winter gods roaming your forest. But no, a grown woman being okay with sharing her new husband's bed, that's too unbelievable.
I won't be reading the sequels.
Graphic: Sexism and Sexual assault
Moderate: Rape, Child abuse, and Child death
eerielux's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Minor: Physical abuse, Abandonment, Blood, Grief, Pedophilia, Death, Death of parent, Misogyny, Child abuse, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Kidnapping, Mental illness, Religious bigotry, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual assault, and Violence
saskiajva's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Child death, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Death of parent, Death, Mental illness, Rape, Sexual assault, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Religious bigotry, Blood, Animal death, Body horror, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Minor: Forced institutionalization
kaiyakaiyo's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
My only complaint was that it felt like Anna’s “power” wasn’t explored much, but then I saw the dreaded word on the digital cover: trilogy. Guess I’m strapped in for more, though I think I would’ve really liked this as a stand-alone
Graphic: Body horror and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Misogyny, and Death of parent
Minor: Self harm
nightmarebees's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
the first half felt so slow, but at the same time i couldn’t put it down and finished the book in two days, so? it really drew out the parts of the fairytale that are usually only a few sentences at the beginning, if that makes any sense. the characters who would be side characters are more fleshed out, and the fluid POV is interesting to read when it goes between them.
i will definitely be picking up book 2 from the library
Moderate: Animal death and Sexism
Minor: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment
collettem27's review
- 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? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Gore, Violence, and Misogyny
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual violence
jessreadsandrambles's review
- 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
4.75
Graphic: Mental illness, Death of parent, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Pedophilia and Sexual assault
Minor: Rape
graceert'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
4.0
Moderate: Death of parent, Physical abuse, Death, and Sexual assault
Minor: Gaslighting and Religious bigotry
mengzhenreads'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
3.5
Graphic: Blood, Death of parent, Religious bigotry, and Death
Moderate: Child death, Animal death, and Sexism
Minor: Rape and Sexual assault
twocents's review
- 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? It's complicated
3.5
That said, the ending came together quite nicely, enough that I'm willing to check out the second book anyway.
Graphic: Violence and Child abuse
Minor: Sexual assault