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epicpseudonym's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
2.75
I typically enjoy Elise Kova's books but, this one was not for me. It gave me cult vibes and may have been trying to pull from too many classic inspirations at once. Acknowledging one of those is Orpheus and Eurydice, go into the book knowing it is going to involve death, and that was definitely handled in a way I haven't read before. I think without the overarching cult feel, the way death is handled in this book could be very impactful for some, but please check content warnings.
It does have some little hints regarding world building and other books in the series which were fun to spot and were the primary motivation I had for finishing the book.
It does have some little hints regarding world building and other books in the series which were fun to spot and were the primary motivation I had for finishing the book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Suicidal thoughts
As a content warning, I think this would not be a great book to read if someone is in a bad headspace concerning their life, though in the book the death is more sacrificial in nature. I was strongly reminded of Alzheimer's, chronic illness, and hospice.laylareadsthings's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I don’t think I’ve ever left a review for a book that made me feel as torn as this one. There’s beautiful prose here and an incredible healing journey, but I do not think I can say anything about this book left me feeling happy or fulfilled. This is a book comfortable existing in traumatic moments and sadness without ever really moving past it. For the entirety of the book, I think you need to be in a clear enough mental headspace to be able to sit with those feelings as a constant. Yes, things are resolved… but this is not a book where that’s done through amends, or the proper people paying the price for their evil. This is a book about understanding how your personal sacrifices oftentimes mean nothing to anyone but you, and being ok with that. This book is largely character driven (the plot does not pick up until almost 70% of the way in). I adore the Married to Magic series and I think I’ll reflect on this book for years, but now I need a good cry and to stare at the ceiling for a few hours.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Toxic relationship, and Abandonment
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Grief, and Gaslighting
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, and Suicidal thoughts