Reviews tagging 'Grief'

Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett

4 reviews

beebidon's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

• 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

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Mental illness, Slavery, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Trafficking, Medical trauma, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism

Moderate: Gore, Physical abuse, Sexism, Torture, Police brutality, Dementia, Grief, and Death of parent

Minor: Sexual content, Cannibalism, and Fire/Fire injury

jjjreads's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional inspiring mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• 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

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Gun violence, Infidelity, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Excrement, Vomit, Medical content, Trafficking, Grief, Medical trauma, Stalking, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Gaslighting, Colonisation, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism

Moderate: Cursing, Drug use, Infidelity, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment

laguerrelewis's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

• 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

4.75

I came across this book thanks to its mention in an essay about creative commentary through sci-fi/fantasy systems, in which it was lauded in the same breath as N.K. Jemisin’s The Fifth Season. I am happy to report that it lives up to this comparison. The “magic” system of this book is incredibly unique and inspired, and Robert Jackson Bennett skillfully increases how complexly it is applied in a very rewarding way. His style is similar to Brandon Sanderson, with a nice balance of humor, despair, and optimism. And the best part is this book is basically a series of heists with ever increasing stakes and reality-warping magic! This would be a 5 star review if not for some politics regarding policing that feel outdated from a 2023 perspective and the handling of a certain characters’ trauma. I think that element could’ve been handled more tactfully. Ultimately, though,  this book was quite the enjoyable read, and I’m excited to read the next installment!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Gore, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Police brutality, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism

Moderate: Cannibalism and Death of parent

fromjuliereads's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark funny mysterious tense medium-paced

• 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

I FREAKING LOVED THIS BOOK. Wow. I am so surprised. I had no idea what to fully expect going into this book but did it DELIVER! Fantastic characters, great world building, epic heists, a unique and complex magic system, and I went through ALL of the emotions! I am not even kidding. I teared up multiple times, was on the edge of my seat with stress, smiled like an idiot, and laughed out loud. This is my kind of book through and through.
It starts out slower because there is so much that has to be set up in the initial chapters and first section of the book. But goodness, is it worth it for the vast wealth of story that you get farther in.

I stand by it that Clef is my favourite character. But I have such an immense appreciation fo Sancia, Gregor, Berenice, and even Orso! All of the characrers are developed so well, and they all have some kind of arc and growth throughout the story.
The heists are EPIC and the twists and turns? Goodness I was on the edge of my seat... figuratively. But this was so good. I am really looking forward to seeing where else this series goes! (If my heart can take it that is...)

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Cursing, Death, Gore, Slavery, Violence, Blood, and Grief

Moderate: Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexual assault, Torture, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Medical content, Death of parent, and Murder