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kirareads02'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? No
4.75
A lovely story and I can't wait to read the second book.
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Trafficking, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Sexual harassment, and Classism
Moderate: Body shaming, Gore, Misogyny, Blood, Abortion, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, and Abandonment
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Fatphobia, Miscarriage, Medical content, Kidnapping, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
amandasbookreview's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
5.0
“Either we choose to stay alive, or we give up. And if it’s living we choose, then we do whatever it takes.”
But first. Trigger Warnings: slavery, abuse, sexual assault, rape, child loss, miscarriage, suicide
This is NOT an easy book to read and it is not meant for everyone. Years ago, I went to the natural history museum that had a Pompeii exhibit on display. They displayed the casts of the victims who were killed in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. They also showed some fresco paintings from the Lupanar. So it was fascinating to read about this history that took place almost 2,000 years ago. The author does a fantastic job at bringing these fictional characters to life and making them feel real. The characters all come from different backgrounds and have been forced into horrors that many cannot even imagine. They all have different reactions to these horrors. Some give up, some fight, some push their emotions away… but all their feelings are valid, no matter how different. It shows that there are many ways to react to trauma.
I cannot wait to see what is in store for Amara in the next book. Her world is changing and will no doubt find a way to fight her way to a freedwoman with independence. She has already met some historical figures such as Pliny the Elder. Another interesting thing is that the fatal eruption is only 5 years away. So there is still so much historical content to be explored. In a time where women are considered to be chattel, it is inspiring to watch them come up with their own ways to survive and support each other. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
miaaa_lenaaa's review against another edition
3.75
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Blood, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Abortion, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, and Injury/Injury detail