katievallin's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Grief, Medical content, Racism, Animal death, Blood, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Murder, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Torture, Alcohol, Body shaming, Gun violence, Slavery, War, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Child death and Death of parent
faith_faherty3's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
But for real, this book has a very interesting and well thought out world and magic system. The plot line with Alina and the darkling vs Alina and Mal was hoo boy. I lived for it and loved every second of it
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Death, War, and Violence
Minor: Classism, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Animal death, Gaslighting, Gore, Medical content, and Murder
marissasa's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Spoiler
Maybe I'm just not into villains, but I wasn't surprised by the Darkling's actions at all and I didn't like his moments with Alina from the start just because I felt like they had no reason or buildup to liking each other. Some of the training chapters felt longer than they had to be, and it felt very YA trope-y when Alina had the vision of the stag in the last act and was able to summon her power over the Darkling's hold in the exact moment she needed it.Graphic: Blood, Bullying, Violence, Medical content, Animal death, Body horror, Classism, Death, Genocide, War, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
readwithde'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
4.0
In the midst of war, politics, and chaos, Alina rises to power as the first known Sun Summoner, a bringer of light that can allow many to be able to cross the Fold, or perhaps destroy it all-together.
While the book reminded me of many YA series (Hunger Games particularly), it felt fresh and distinct in telling this similar story. The war and politics reminded me of Firefly and Serenity, especially the volcra as surrogate reavers. Despite the fact that the story seemed familiar, I was hooked and delighted all the way through, and genuinely surprised by some of the events that happened.
My one biggest complaint is the lack of chemistry and romantic tension between Alina and most other characters.
Spoiler
It is easier to understand her love for Mal given their strong bond and history, but the story between Alina and The Darkling came out of nowhere and ended just as abruptly; it is never fully explained or addressed, and while it could have been his attempt to manipulate her, we're given very little knowledge as to why it may work. They don't flirt, they barely talk, and no reason is developed for her to like him at all or even see him as a possible relationship. It just came across as very odd to me.Despite that blip, the worldbuilding is spectacular, the characters seem very grounded in the world, and I'm excited to jump into Siege and Storm soon.
Moderate: Bullying, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Violence, and War
Minor: Animal death, Blood, Death of parent, Medical content, and Toxic relationship
diem's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
could be more in depth with the interpersonal relationships
Should have read it before I watched the show though
Moderate: War, Gun violence, Animal death, Animal cruelty, Kidnapping, Gaslighting, Death, and Adult/minor relationship
Minor: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Medical content, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcohol
rayne_1906's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Animal death, Blood, Body horror, and Violence
Moderate: Death, Medical content, Torture, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Alcohol and Adult/minor relationship