quietlex'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
5.0
Spoiler
I do wish she was able to unleash herself and her powers more, and learn to hone them to become even deadlier. She finally begins to embrace her true self right when she offers up her stolen power back to the Cauldron. Also, what the hell happened with Mor and Eris! They keep alluding that someone different happened, that Eris isn’t actually this awful male that left his betrothed to die in the woods.
I really enjoyed the friendships that blossomed between Nesta, Emerie, and Gwyn, their pure strength and determination that kept them together and pushing on. The love that they had for each other, no judgement, just acceptance and understanding. Exactly what Nesta needed, just as much as the other women needed it. They are the parallel to Rhys, Cassian, and Azriel.
I’m upset she had to give up a portion of her powers to save Feyre and Rhys and the baby, despite understanding her reasoning. Not just to save them, but also the fact that she never wanted her powers, never really used them at all. I saw another review talking about how instead of a redemption arc, Nesta should’ve been given a villain arc. Really let loose and go feral with all that power of Death. She was truly unstoppable if she could’ve just kept training her magic. I wanted her to go Red Witch style, burning everything in her path with those icy flames of silver. Not give up before she’s even started. Especially not to use her one chance to alter herself with fleeing powers to change her womb for future winged babies. Barf boring lame. I figured one baby was enough pregnancy drama. At least it was only kept to a portion of the book, and we didn’t have to hear whatever insufferable narration would’ve accompanied from Feyre. Sorry but I don’t care about that kid, even if it’s supposed to be something insanely rare. No one even mentioned Mor’s friend being pregnant either. I just felt no connection to that storyline. I wanted Rhys to be High King, not turn into a diaper changing snore.
Graphic: Bullying, Classism, Gore, Grief, Pregnancy, Cursing, Death of parent, Confinement, Animal death, Body shaming, Child death, Chronic illness, Alcoholism, Alcohol, Blood, Body horror, Death, Sexual assault, Domestic abuse, Kidnapping, Excrement, Injury/Injury detail, Miscarriage, Violence, Misogyny, Sexual content, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Torture, and War
headinthepages's review against another edition
Moderate: Ableism, Alcohol, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Rape, Sexism, Murder, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Vomit, Chronic illness, Alcoholism, Blood, Body horror, Cursing, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Torture, Toxic relationship, Child death, Gore, Grief, Medical content, Kidnapping, Medical trauma, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
amartin48's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Child abuse, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Alcoholism, Blood, Racism, Chronic illness, Cursing, Forced institutionalization, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Sexual assault, Pregnancy, Rape, and Suicidal thoughts
bangiebangs'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
Aside from this being deliciously spicy (would give a 4/5), the story here really spoke to me. Like the first trilogy, this is a story of healing from trauma, both childhood trauma as well as trauma caused by recent events.
Spoiler
Nesta really struggles with the fact her body was violently changed against her will. Some discussions of ACOSF liken this to a rape, and I'm not sure I would go that far, but it is definitely physically violent.I especially liked Nesta's development because it resonated with me a lot: the poisonous isolation she puts herself through, alienating everyone around her and keeping her distance, the lack of self-confidence and self-respect, etc. This all is a really accurate description of what some people experience. The fantasy part - to me - is having Cassian at her side, who never gives up and helps her through this, regardless of what she throws at him. I'm pretty sure, in real life, there is a limit to what people will tolerate, but here there doesn't seem to be.
Spoiler
Obviously, that is the magic of the mating bond.I could go on and gush about this for a while yet, but let's just say: If you like your fantasy tropes, but maybe are struggling with isolation and trauma recovery yourself, I think this will resonate with you. I found it pretty inspiring. 5 stars every time!
Graphic: Grief, Violence, Confinement, Addiction, and Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Addiction, Chronic illness, and Physical abuse
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
meghansarmiento97'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
4.5
Graphic: Forced institutionalization, Gaslighting, Gore, Medical trauma, Mental illness, Murder, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Confinement, Chronic illness, Cursing, Kidnapping, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Stalking, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Abandonment, Addiction, Bullying, Grief, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Body horror, Self harm, Blood, Death, Emotional abuse, Sexism, Torture, Toxic friendship, Injury/Injury detail, and Rape
readwithde's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Grief, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Pregnancy, Death of parent, Sexual content, and Sexism
Moderate: Blood, Bullying, Violence, Chronic illness, Cursing, Injury/Injury detail, and Murder
Minor: Kidnapping, War, and Suicidal thoughts