The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
daretodream03'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
5.0
Graphic: Slavery, Blood, War, and Violence
Moderate: Gore, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Death of parent, and Confinement
Minor: Xenophobia, Emotional abuse, Torture, Vomit, and Physical abuse
mschmitz'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
3.75
It was also very refreshing to finally read a book about warriors where there is no sexism. Like not once. It's not even mentioned passively. Loved that.
It's not a romantic story, and I am not sure if it will go in that direction in the next book, but I kind of have a feeling it won't. So if you are looking for some romance, then this book probably won't satisfy you. I do however recommend it if you are looking for a somewhat unique dystopian fantasy. The world building is clear and done well, and the characters are nicely written. I became quite invested in their feelings, their traumas, their relationships, and their growth. I look forward to reading the second book.
Graphic: Violence and War
Moderate: Colonisation, Xenophobia, and Ableism
sarahdh's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Graphic: Death, Racism, Xenophobia, and Colonisation
Minor: Torture and Death of parent
mazomazli'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
4.75
Graphic: Death of parent, Gun violence, Grief, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Child abuse, Xenophobia, Physical abuse, and Medical trauma
bookphile'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
The cast of characters is interesting and diverse, and you get to fall in love with every single one of them as the story progresses. I can honestly say that I loved every single one of them.
There's a lot of discussion about war, the affects of war on the people, the treatment of refugees - even when they are ready to lay down their life for a country that continually rejects them. The price of peace and the cost of conquest and bloodshed.
It is a dark book, but it's not without glimpses of true heroism, even in the bleakest moments. I highly recommend it and I honestly think it's one of Lu's best.
Graphic: Torture, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Blood, Xenophobia, Murder, Gore, Genocide, Death, and Body horror
fungivibes's review against another edition
4.25
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Torture, and Body horror
Moderate: Blood, Xenophobia, Genocide, and Confinement
Minor: Death of parent