casthefanby's review
- 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: Murder, Death, Self harm, Torture, Animal death, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Alcohol, Alcoholism, and Physical abuse
taroroot'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
4.0
Graphic: Murder, Blood, Death, Violence, Panic attacks/disorders, and Injury/Injury detail
discarded_dust_jacket's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I always struggle a little bit with the second book in ANY fantasy series, simply because once the novelty of stepping into a new world and getting to know the characters fades, it becomes harder for me to keep track of (and therefore care about) all the complicated machinations of the plot.
But my investment in these characters kept me wanting to continue, even when all the politics and strategizing sometimes went over my head. I definitely appreciated that we got to spend more time with Iktan, because I found xir so interesting in the first book.
Where I tended to have the most trouble was understanding the characters’ wants and motivations, especially Iktan and Serapio. I wasn’t sure why they were doing what they were doing—what it was they were trying to achieve or what they were seeking (though this was eventually revealed pretty explicitly in Serapio’s case by the end)—and that took me out of the story a few times.
Other than that though, this really was great. I didn’t realize when I started that this isn’t a completed series, and I wish I’d thought to check because now I don’t want to have to wait to find out what happens next!! 😭
Graphic: Confinement, Injury/Injury detail, Self harm, Blood, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Grief, Murder, and Torture
Minor: Sexual violence, Alcohol, and Vomit
bkwrm1317's review
- 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? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Death and Xenophobia
Minor: Animal death and Sexual content
janisgoblin's review
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Blood, Death, and Violence
breadwitchery's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Blood and Death
risaleel's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Violence, Blood, and Death
jht5791's review
- 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
3.5
Graphic: Violence, Sexual violence, Blood, War, Animal death, Torture, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Sexism, Physical abuse, Grief, Alcohol, Murder, Gore, and Fire/Fire injury
ishtar_n's review
- 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? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Gore, Body horror, Blood, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Alcoholism
Minor: Rape and Pedophilia
jackiepreston's review
- 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? No
3.5
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, Alcohol, Death, and Body horror
Moderate: War, Violence, and Adult/minor relationship