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bessadams'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
4.5
Graphic: Death, Blood, Colonisation, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Racism, Religious bigotry, and War
Minor: Animal death, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
dreadspawn's review against another edition
Graphic: Death, Genocide, Racism, Violence, Xenophobia, and Colonisation
belleanndthebook's review against another edition
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Death, Racism, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: War
Minor: Colonisation
vexatiousbird's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
My only complaint is Leonora’s brother- his character is a little too flat to have as big an impact on the resolution as he does in the end, and his part of the plot wrapped up too neatly and suddenly. I think there could have been another chapter or two to get there more realistically.
Graphic: Colonisation
Moderate: Racism, Violence, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Animal death
rowanhill's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
- Gender bent retelling
- Indigenous mythology and folklore
- Realistic historical setting with a magical twist
Graphic: Death, Colonisation, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Racism, Blood, Religious bigotry, Classism, and Pandemic/Epidemic
stevienotnicks'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
Everything in Sun of Blood and Ruin happens along the backdrop of the Spanish colonization of Mexico. I loved how the author weaved in true history with her beautifully created interpretation of Mesoamerican mythology. She gave life to the deities we read about during the type of the Aztec and Mayan empires & showed the devastating effect of colonization on indigenous traditions & way of life.
The world building was near perfectly done. Instead of info dumping for pages like many fantasy authors are wont to do, Lares instead presents knowledge as dialogue or inner monologues. In this way, it doesn’t feel removed from the main storyline or slow down the pacing.
My only critique is with the ebb & flow of the overall story. Many interesting subplots were introduced only to never be mentioned again. Just as the story would seemingly be reaching its crescendo, the tension and excitement would plummet, staying unresolved while another plot line is explored. I felt a jolt of disconnection each time, but in truth, all of these subplots were so gripping that I was quickly appeased.
If you’re looking for a captivating, unique fantasy with lovable characters, political intrigue, and the always loved “chosen one” trope, this one will not let you down!
Graphic: Racism, Colonisation, and War
Moderate: Gore
lisashelves's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Violence, Murder, Colonisation, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, Grief, Religious bigotry, and War
Minor: Pregnancy
madscientistcat's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Racism, Xenophobia, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Murder, Colonisation, and Injury/Injury detail