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kerrythefire's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
This wasn't a complex book. But Alyssa Cole did a great job weaving together an engaging story set during a really brutal time and setting, and giving enough honor and authenticity to that reality without burdening the story with graphic scenes. She reminds us of the inhumanity of slavery and racism in it's multiple forms, but does not portray it in graphic ways that make this story about slavery instead of the characters and their journey (as spies and to love).
It gave flickers of Kindred (which is a fantastic book, imo), but wasn't nearly as heavy. Which I absolutely wouldn't have wanted it to be.
Yes, the speed at which Elle (and Malcolm, to an extent) came around to the idea of being together was maybe a little faster than would be historically accurate or likely, but that's ok... I was always rooting for them and was happy to be along for the ride. His "proposal" was also endearing af, ha.
Graphic: Gun violence, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, and Violence
Minor: Rape and War
mabelsyrup'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
from the romance to the spywork to the mentions of the workings of the civil war i loved this book. It could've used some more of the actual spy narrative as they forgot abt all that soon as they realized they are obssesed w each other but i don't mind cuz its not like i wasn't kicking mt feet and blushing all the time
"What was her purpose in this fight in which neither side could truly be trusted?"
"You put those boys doing drills down at the Central Fairgrounds to shame. Most of them can’t even walk straight,” he said, his vivid gaze locked on her. “And not a one of them is half as pretty as you.”
"Was a few weeks all it took to start losing yourself, then? To start rationalizing away the abomination of slavery so that she could think of people like the Caffreys as “not so bad”? They were buying a child—likely breaking up a family. They were beasts."
"Man’s inhumanity to man wasn’t solely regulated by skin color, although it did allow its practitioners to choose their targets more easily."
"“Good morning,” he said, although his mind was suddenly full to brimming with the things he really wanted to tell her. You’re beautiful. You’re brilliant. I want to strip that dress off and make you cry out with pleasure."
"The way he looked down at her was dangerous. It was the look of a man who would not be deterred, not in war and not in making love."
“You think I want you for a taste of something taboo,” he whispered. “But you’re any man’s dream: intelligent, brave, and so damn lovely I can’t tear my eyes from you. That’s why I want you.” STOPPP
"if you think that I can’t save my man and get word to Washington both, then you have sorely underestimated me.”
Moderate: Slavery
kefink'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? No
4.5
Graphic: Racism and Slavery
Minor: Sexual assault
ohheyandi's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Graphic: Gun violence, Racial slurs, Racism, and Slavery
heather667'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, Gun violence, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexism, Sexual assault, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Kidnapping, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual harassment, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Rape, Suicide, and Death of parent
emmylux7's review against another edition
- 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
3.25
Graphic: Hate crime, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Sexual harassment, and War
Moderate: Trafficking
Minor: Gore
thenextbookdilemma'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: Racial slurs, Racism, and Slavery
Minor: Sexual assault
theteaisaddictive'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
4.0
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, and Slavery
yourbookishbff'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: Gun violence, Racism, Sexual content, Slavery, Violence, Kidnapping, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Alcoholism, Confinement, Racial slurs, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Blood, Death of parent, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
meganbyrd77'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
Graphic: Sexual content and Slavery