finless0904's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Rape, Physical abuse, Violence, War, Pregnancy, Murder, Sexual violence, Self harm, Injury/Injury detail, Body shaming, Sexism, Torture, Sexual content, Sexual assault, and Blood
Moderate: Infertility and Child death
denw'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
3.5
Graphic: Body horror and Rape
tiernanhunter's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Miscarriage, Misogyny, Murder, Pregnancy, Self harm, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Drug use, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Slavery, Torture, Violence, War, Blood, Child death, Suicidal thoughts, Animal death, Domestic abuse, Dysphoria, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Medical content, Toxic relationship, Ableism, Body shaming, Colonisation, Confinement, Death, Infertility, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Toxic friendship
samants's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Take a shot every time you read:
- "Hungry ghosts"
- "Trotted"
- "Behatted"
- "Curious"
Also: I think I would have liked this more if the absolute psychological torment undergone by the characters wasn't described so lushly. The prose got a little purple at times, describing people's internal suffering. It was a bit much.
Graphic: Violence, Transphobia, Blood, Death, Dysphoria, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual harassment, War, Fire/Fire injury, Self harm, Sexual violence, Emotional abuse, Murder, Rape, Homophobia, Misogyny, Physical abuse, and Sexual assault
Minor: Body horror
pizzasprite'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
4.0
Graphic: Rape
careliza14'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
4.75
An incredible conclusion to this gruesome, heartbreaking story of resilience, determination, and revenge against all odds (especially when the odds are definitely *not* in your favor).
This sequel hit all of the best notes in character development and continuation of the plot. The interpersonal relationships grew significantly and the action scenes where even better (and more gruesome) than the first book. I really enjoyed adding more POVs and really getting into the heads of our main characters.
The "mandate of heaven" was still not super well explained, which I think was probably intentional. Also Shelley did us dirty with the deaths in this one, and I'll leave it at that.
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, Sexual content, Rape, War, Gore, Slavery, Violence, Transphobia, Torture, and Physical abuse
Minor: Pregnancy
kristinallard'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
4.75
Moderate: Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Miscarriage, Blood, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual violence, Death, Murder, Sexual content, Sexual assault, Torture, and Violence
Minor: Misogyny, Slavery, Pregnancy, and War
leanne_miron's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Gore, Death, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Domestic abuse, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Outing, Self harm, Murder, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, War, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Ableism, Genocide, Homophobia, Misogyny, and Xenophobia
Minor: Animal cruelty
katdawg7's review against another edition
Graphic: Rape, Body shaming, Homophobia, Sexism, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Sexual violence
jordiehp's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
The Radiant Emperor duology is a beautiful exploration of gender, ambition, grief, and hope. Highly recommend.
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Death, Grief, Dysphoria, War, Sexism, Self harm, and Misogyny
Moderate: Murder, Transphobia, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Rape, Physical abuse, Ableism, Homophobia, War, and Violence
Minor: Miscarriage, Dysphoria, Gore, Child death, Torture, Abortion, Injury/Injury detail, Pregnancy, and Slavery