xtsukix's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Blood, War, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Violence, Death of parent, Death, Suicide attempt, and Grief
wrensreadingroom's review against another edition
5.0
Moderate: Hate crime, War, Vomit, Confinement, Cursing, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Religious bigotry, Panic attacks/disorders, Addiction, Body horror, Physical abuse, Murder, Deportation, Fire/Fire injury, Forced institutionalization, Suicide, Stalking, Bullying, Classism, Death, Death of parent, Genocide, Gaslighting, Violence, Abandonment, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Blood, Domestic abuse, Gore, Grief, Suicidal thoughts, Self harm, and Police brutality
joygarcialim's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
The main characters were kind of bland and replaceable. They didn’t really stand out individually and the writer didn’t give them enough personality to show what their characters were supposed to be. Other than Alessa and Dante of course. Alessa is kind of a woe-is-me character and I get that her life is difficult in many regards but that’s most of her personality. Dante is a tortured devil archetype and kept saying he was evil with no proof. I get that they lived in a world where that mentality is enforced on him but it wasn’t really explained well. Dante was the most interesting character imo.
The chemistry between Alessa and Dante seemed kind of awkward too.
Spoiler
There didn’t seem to be a reason they were in love with each otherThe world-building wasn’t great either. It was there but it wasn’t at the same time. It was just kind of vague but written about enough to let readers know it was there. The author emphasised a lot more on the romance part than the fantasy part.
Overall, very underdeveloped and poorly executed.
Graphic: Hate crime, Mental illness, Murder, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, War, Abandonment, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Suicide attempt, Blood, Death, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Child abuse and Fire/Fire injury
kirstenf'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
Graphic: Death, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Violence, and War
Moderate: Religious bigotry, Suicidal thoughts, Murder, Sexual content, Grief, Confinement, Fire/Fire injury, Deportation, and Death of parent
Minor: Medical content and Sexism
marine2907'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
Graphic: Abandonment, Alcohol, Blood, Medical content, Murder, Torture, Sexual content, Grief, Hate crime, Injury/Injury detail, Gore, Infertility, Suicide attempt, War, Suicidal thoughts, Self harm, Violence, Body horror, Child death, Death, and Fire/Fire injury
megj23's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: War, Murder, and Death
Moderate: Blood and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child abuse and Genocide
toffishay's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.25
Graphic: Child abuse, Blood, Alcohol, War, Death, Murder, Xenophobia, Violence, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual content, Physical abuse, Grief, Genocide, Confinement, and Child death
Moderate: Abandonment
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: Alcohol, Ableism, Suicide attempt, Blood, and Violence
Moderate: Murder and Sexual content
Minor: Child abuse and Child death
demjin'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? It's complicated
3.5
This is 3.5 stars, it was gonna be 4 but the ending ruined it for me. I was here for the book and fine with the lackluster worldbuilding when I was enjoying the romance but the ending brought too much plot into the picture that I didn't care enough about. It was like it was trying to be something it didn't need to be.
But I'm always here for grumpy-sexy-deadly bodyguard would do anything for girl when she bats her eyelashes at him trope and I'll stand by that
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail and Death
Minor: Alcohol, Blood, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Violence, Toxic relationship, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Self harm, Murder, War, and Suicide attempt
melaniereadsbooks'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
4.5
The Finestra has one job--to find a Fonte, enhance their power, and save the island from the encroaching demon army. But Alessa is unable to touch a fonte without killing them, and her time is running out.
This book was so good! I absolutely devoured the audiobook and could hardly put it down to sleep. Alessa is an amazing main character and I love her growth and passion and raw need. I love that her strength is in the way she loves and not just her magical powers. I love the lessons of family and togetherness and hope and faith. The magic system is so interesting and I loved watching Alessa learn to wield her gift. And, of course, I love Dante.
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Murder, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Suicide attempt