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talieace'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
4.25
Alessa isn't perfect and has to grow throughout the story, but never is she an idiot we must suffer through for a plot device.
The moments of romantic consent are wonderful, as well as the beautiful moments of forgiveness and hope.
Also Dante is an adorable grump.
Graphic: Death, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Religious bigotry, and War
Moderate: Sexual content
theespressoedition'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? It's complicated
5.0
This book was brilliant.
I've always been a sucker for forbidden love, especially when it happens to be with the bodyguard. There's just something really appealing about that particular trope. Add in the fact that our protagonist literally can't touch the person she's drawn to without the potential of killing them and it gets even more interesting!
The combination of the unique plot plus a subtly steamy romance plus a ton of fantastic action gave me everything I wanted and needed from this fantasy novel. I've found myself slightly disappointed by YA fantasy recently, feeling as though it all reads the same - but this didn't feel that way at all. It was unique and easy to read.
There was also an element of found family that I really adored. The Fontes surprised me a lot as the story went on and by the end, they were some of my favorite characters. I'd love an entire spin-off about Kamaria! Alessa and Dante were precious and I can't wait to see what happens to them next. Things seem a little daunting but also really exciting!
Graphic: Bullying, Torture, Blood, and War
Moderate: Violence and Religious bigotry
Minor: Sexual content and Suicidal thoughts
toffishay's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.25
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Genocide, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Grief, Suicide attempt, Murder, Alcohol, and War
Moderate: Abandonment
holthmsn'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: Death, Violence, Religious bigotry, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual content
madbookworm15's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Sexual content
looseleafellie's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
This book grabbed me from the first page and did not let go! Alessa’s predicament took me through a full rollercoaster of emotions that didn’t let up until the end. Just when I thought things were going well, something else terrible would happen, and I was LIVING FOR IT!
Alessa’s romance with her grumpy bodyguard, Dante, was so cute and felt like a rom-com nestled in a fantasy world <3 I personally wish the romance had been dragged out more because I’m a slow-burn fiend from slow-burn hell, but it made sense for the story and characters that their romance would develop relatively fast.
I loved the squad of characters that formed during the story. The themes of connection and community were beautifully woven in. There was also an interesting exploration of religion and myth that I’m excited to see expanded as the story continues!
While the ending was satisfying on its own, there’s a clear setup for a sequel. I, for one, am DYING to see what’s next for Alessa and her friends!
Thanks to Wednesday Books for the ebook ARC!
CWs: Violence, murder attempt, death, grief, blood, ableism, alcohol use, suicide attempt by drowning, religious bigotry, PTSD, dubious consent (quickly dealt with), giant insects, and mentions of child abuse and child death. More details on the author’s website.
This book also contains a non-graphic sex scene. The characters involved are over 18.
Graphic: Ableism, Violence, Blood, Suicide attempt, and Alcohol
Moderate: Sexual content and Murder
Minor: Child abuse and Child death
patricktreads'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? No
4.5
I would absolutely recommend this book, and I can’t wait to hopefully read more.
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Alcohol, and Classism
lizgriffinwords'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
Alessa is a “reluctant chosen one” grappling with the worry that she’ll fail to save her people from the impending apocalypse, where she and a partner must battle a horde of demons! The problem: she can’t keep her partners alive, thanks to the lethal touch of her gift. When her own mentors can’t be trusted, Alessa heads to the city’s underbelly and hires a bodyguard, Dante. He is somehow the perfect combination of traits from Kaz and Matthias, if that makes any sense.
The banter between Alessa and Dante had me giggling so many times. I’ve highlighted so many quotes, some funny, some deeply resonating. This book grapples with loneliness in a way that hits close to home.
There is one steamy scene, but no explicit language is used.
Moderate: Death and War
Minor: Cursing and Sexual content
ode_to_readers's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I was trying to read this at every chance I had. On the bus to and from work, at work (during lunch of course..), before bed, in bed, in the morning in bed, during breakfast. Surprisingly it still took me two days to read but I’m glad because I got to savour every second I was reading.
Alessa’s growth was just astounding to see and I couldn’t help but feel so proud for her. Her friendship with Dante was absolutely perfect at pushing both their boundaries and challenging their beliefs. Their banter in every scene were my favourite parts.
Even the growth of the other Fontes (sorry- I mean Fonti) was developed perfectly. You can flick from the front to the back of the book and see a complete difference and yet it didn’t feel rushed at all. Their growing trust and friendship was so heartwarming.
Even the battle scene at the end had me on the edge of my seat. It was written perfectly and had me wanting to cheer and sob all at once.
Basically I need the next book NOW please and thank you
Moderate: War
Minor: Hate crime, Sexual content, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail