iforgotilivedhere'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? No
3.25
Graphic: Murder, Child abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Death, Slavery, Rape, and Sexism
Moderate: Blood, Body horror, Kidnapping, Domestic abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, and Fire/Fire injury
magic_multicolored_miracle's review against another edition
The author's flowery but repetitive descriptions also didn't help, as it felt like this section of the book could probably have been half as long and still conveyed the same amount of information.
From what I read, not a bad book, but not for me (might give it a second chance at another time)
Graphic: Self harm, Abandonment, and Blood
Moderate: Bullying, Kidnapping, Confinement, and Trafficking
mackwizowski'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? It's complicated
4.75
Graphic: Gore, Death, Kidnapping, Self harm, Torture, Physical abuse, Slavery, Emotional abuse, War, Violence, Murder, Sexual assault, and Child abuse
teadancer'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? It's complicated
4.75
Spoiler
A specific things that I appreciate about this book were the description of dissociation and mental health struggles. The characters felt very real in their struggles and coping mechanisms.One thing that I was less a fan of was how the main characters grew up together in what felt like a sibling "us against the world" dynamic that then moved into a romantic relationship. I'm not a huge fan of this relationship arc, but do see how it works for these characters.
If you are a fan of a morally gray protagonist, coming into their own character arcs, political intrigue, and wonderful queer rep (without it being about being queer) - read this book!!!
Graphic: Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, Child abuse, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Self harm, Religious bigotry, Bullying, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Injury/Injury detail, Emotional abuse, and Cursing
Minor: Confinement