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brenna199x'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, Gore, Sexism, Sexual assault, and Blood
carsons1996'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: Slavery, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Alcohol
meagan_mizukage's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
Moderate: Sexual assault
phoenixsparks'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
3.75
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual content
ettaviereads'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
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Death and Sexual assault
Minor: Sexual content
nikki_b's review against another edition
3.5
Genre: Fantasy/Romance
Intended Audience: Marketed as YA - should be New Adult.
Format + Source: E-book, Kindle Unlimited
Read this if you like…
- Viking-esque world building
- Magic + fairies
- Game of Thrones style throne jockeying
- Natural, engaging dialogue
This may not be for you if you don't like...
- Figuring out the plot + twists early on
- Heavy-handed Viking inspiration
- Calling women "princess" as a pet name
Rating Breakdown
Characters: ★★★★
I really liked Elise. Her attitudes towards others were believable ("Night Folk" are deserving of equal rights, etc.), though we didn't get an explanation for <i>why</i>... just that she is "kind-hearted."
The companions were fleshed-out and seem to have their own stories that will be explored later (hopefully).
Legion is smart and snarky, without being obnoxious. His conversations with Elise (and them reading together) made me buy into the growth of their relationship.
Writing: ★★★½
Tying into the plot aspect below... the writing gave everything away too early. There are quite a few info-dump sections re: the world and its inhabitants. Too much unnecessary detail about these other kingdoms that aren't even featured in this book (or the next!)
That said, the dialogue was so natural and fun that I forgave a lot of issues with the plot/writing.
Plot: ★★★
Predictable. I hoped that Andrews was planning to subvert some tropes/cliches, but they went just as expected. I sussed out the ending within the first few chapters yet enjoyed the book enough to stick around.
Enjoyment: ★★★★
Technical issues aside, I enjoyed the world and characters. Sometimes the Viking terms are a bit much and I wish some plot aspects had gone a different direction but this was a fun read overall.
Other thoughts...
I am very, very, very tired of "A Noun of Stuff and Things" titles.
Minor: Sexual assault
ruckystarnes's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Graphic: Murder, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Sexual content, Violence, and War
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Terminal illness, Medical trauma, and Stalking
bzliz's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The slow start builds to a steady pace and by the end, events are flying by. I was concerned I’d have a DNF on my hands but I’m so glad I stuck it out and was rewarded for my diligence. I particularly loved the build up of Elise and Legion’s relationship. It has some enemies to lovers vibes without them ever truly being enemies. Every victory felt earned and I have no doubt this will continue in the next installment.
Below I have listed many content warnings and provided some context for them in the spoiler tags. I highly recommend checking that if anything listed is a trigger for you before proceeding to reading.
Content Warnings:
Blood (on page):
Confinement (on page):
Death/Murder (on & off page):
Injury (on page):
Incest (on page, not explicit):
Sexism (on page):
Sexual assault/violence (on page, not explicit):
Sexual content (on page):
Slavery (on page):
Suicide attempt (off page):
Torture (on page):
Violence (on page):
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Torture, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Sexual violence
Minor: Incest, Sexism, Slavery, and Suicide attempt
marzreadz2'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
Moderate: Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Slavery, and Violence
Minor: Infidelity, Torture, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
mae_dexter_author's review against another edition
4.5
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual content