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brynn_books'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
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, and Blood
tinyjude's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.75
I don't think I will continue this saga, seeing how the story is taking shape and some non-spoilery reviews of the next book.
Nonetheless, it was cool to see a lesbian character say proudly they are lesbian when it's so rare. We love to see it more each day.
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Grief, and Abandonment
bookishmel's review
Moderate: Death, Drug use, Mental illness, Racism, Sexism, Suicide, Violence, Xenophobia, Grief, and Murder
melitiamelitia's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Death, and Classism
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Death of parent
thenovelmaura's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I did like the final third of the book, when the plot started coming together and the pacing picked up. And the urban-fantasy Toronto setting was so cool and unique! The political drama between the different fae courts was fascinating, as were all of the magical and mythical creatures who showed up in the hidden pockets of the city. There were some great elements here and I wish they had been combined into something spectacular, but as it stands I'm not inclined to read the sequel.
Graphic: Gore and Violence
Moderate: Death
lolajh's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Also OH MY GOD STOP WITH THE HARRY POTTER REFERENCES. Having trans people (they are so on the side so don’t hope for that), a book written by a trans author, and having Harry Potter references is so contradictory oh my god. Don’t know if I’m motivated enough with this story to keep up the series.
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Murder
marleywrites'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: Violence
Moderate: Child death, Death, Drug use, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Grief, and Murder
pey333'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? No
4.5
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Death, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Blood, and Murder
Minor: Sexism
noellelovesbooks's review against another edition
4.0
This book has been on my radar for a bit, and as book two was recently released I knew it was time to dive in. Right off the bat, I knew Shuttleworth was an author who cared about their readers. At the very front under “Author’s Notes,” they discuss the heavy topics that will be covered in the book along with content warnings.
I’m always so excited when an author ensured content warnings are listed within their book or on their website. As someone who’s used reading as an escape for years [woohoo childhood trauma 😅], it’s important that I avoid certain subjects or at least have ample warning to prepare myself, emotionally, ahead of reading. Any author, or publisher, that puts that little bit of effort to list potential content warnings will always have a special place in my heart.
Nausicaa, formerly known as Alecto, is a fallen fury. Taking vengeance into her own hands and exacted revenge on those responsible for hurting her dearest sister so badly that her sister ended her own life, she had no regrets. Nausicaa now spends her immortal life finding new ways to annoy and anger the Fae.
Arlo the daughter of a Fae mother and a human father is determined to find her place in the world. Never fully fitting in with the Fae, as so far she’s shown very little ability in magic, she’s struggled to find where her strength lies and where her future will take her.
Vehan, the prince of Seelie Summer, has had questions for the last few years so when things start happening he’s set on finally finding answers and solving the mystery that’s haunted him.
Aurelian, Vehan’s retainer and steward in training, is determined to protect the prince at all costs…even if that cost is creating distance between the two. Hiding a huge secret is hard but Aurelian will do whatever it takes to protect the prince physically, mentally, and emotionally.
We also get to see the inner thoughts of someone who despises the ruling Fae and is set on a path to destroy them… but I don’t feel like writing about them. 😋
I enjoyed seeing pieces fall into place and forces joined though we definitely don’t get every question answered in this book. Shuttleworth has set up quite a few questions that I’m thinking will be elaborated on and answered within book two. I didn’t quite get the found family trope I was hoping to get within this book, as all four characters I talked about aren’t super close yet, but I’m hoping that we’ll see friendships and relationships continue to grow in book two which will give that overall found family feeling.
Overall getting to know all the characters, except the one I refuse to write about 😤, was so much fun and I look forward to seeing where book two takes us. If you’re looking for a fantasy where most of the characters are still finding themselves and finding their inner strength, I recommend giving this book a go!
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Ableism, Child abuse, Racism, and Abandonment
Minor: Suicide, Trafficking, and Sexual harassment
coinmanatee's review
- 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? Yes
3.5
Otherwise, I'm disappointed, I suppose. I feel like its 500 pages of set up for something that might not happen for another thousand pages or more? If I knew for definite it was only a two parter Id be more accepting, but for Reasons I suspect itll be more and I do not have the patience for that.
The worldbuilding was not exactly creative. It felt more like it smushed basic tropes together and I found myself skimming through a lot of description because I already knew what things would look like, or smell, or geel, because it was exactly like every other faery book in the world.
I will say the character voices are good and I do very much enjoy Nausicaas existence and mindset.
Could have done without the romance. (I dont trust any of these children to have healthy romantic attachments) but the attraction was well written and fairly believable
Graphic: Emotional abuse
Moderate: Death
Minor: Addiction