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torturedreadersdept'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: Body horror, Bullying, Child death, Cursing, Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Dysphoria, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Suicide
kklondike's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Minor: Death, Suicide, and Murder
allisnbc's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Gore and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Violence, Vomit, and Murder
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, and Suicide
rinku'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
3.0
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Vomit, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Animal death and Suicide
soundlysmitten'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? Yes
4.0
When I first started reading, I thought I was going to hate the book because I found the main character extremely annoying. El’s hostile narration can get repetitive fast, but the way she holds herself makes sense once you learn how her experience differs from others. So I’m glad I kept reading. Truly, I was so happy when things started to look up for El, you’d think she was a real person 😹
My favorite part of the book was the dynamic between El and her allies. The development of their relationships is heartwarming as it marks El's first experience of social acceptance and support.
I also appreciated the ethnic and financial diversity of the different characters and think the author did a good job mirroring certain real world inequalities that are perpetuated by the corrupt social systems we’ve established.
All in all, I'd say give this one a shot. It won't be for everyone, but no book is!
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Bullying, Child death, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Addiction, Animal death, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, and Vomit
jeanscoutfinch's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Graphic: Death and Suicide
katreadswaytoomuch's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Now, I thought this was going to be historical fantasy, but it’s actually urban fantasy. It’s a good setting choice imo because it opens the narrator up to modern vernacular.
Overall, it felt a little clunky in places, but I really liked the premise. After finishing it and seeing that there’s a second book lined up, it’s pretty clear that this one is meant to be heavy exposition to set up the next one. I’m really excited for that to be released and build on the first hopefully with a little less explanation for everything.
Minor: Death, Suicide, Violence, Blood, and Murder
sappleton12'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
Moderate: Death, Suicide, Violence, and Death of parent
angelareads's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Gore, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Bullying and Vomit
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child death, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide