jashanac's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This was so much fun! I blew through this in 24 hours, which rarely happens to me these days. It was easily readable -- not a complex plot and not a bunch of deep character introspective moments or conversations, but an exciting enough plot with interesting characters in an interesting world and a good amount of intrigue and surprises.
I was immediately hooked into the story, from the prologue. I enjoyed the authorial voice, and even though I didn't think we got a LOT of depth from most of the characters, there were still moments that impacted me emotionally. This world is brutal and obviously there's a lot to be said about the parallels between this book's world and ours, regarding civil rights as well as slavery throughout history.
There were a few moments where the MC grated on my nerves. Times where she was stubborn to a fault -- of course I understood her desire to not be broken and to keep what dignity she could, but she had it explained to her and SAW first-hand how "playing along" would benefit her as well as others, and for awhile she just KEPT pushing back and being ridiculous, and then would be shocked when something bad happened as a result.
And toward the end especially there were some plot points that were a bit convenient, for sure. But I still had a really fun time with this!
I was immediately hooked into the story, from the prologue. I enjoyed the authorial voice, and even though I didn't think we got a LOT of depth from most of the characters, there were still moments that impacted me emotionally. This world is brutal and obviously there's a lot to be said about the parallels between this book's world and ours, regarding civil rights as well as slavery throughout history.
There were a few moments where the MC grated on my nerves. Times where she was stubborn to a fault -- of course I understood her desire to not be broken and to keep what dignity she could, but she had it explained to her and SAW first-hand how "playing along" would benefit her as well as others, and for awhile she just KEPT pushing back and being ridiculous, and then would be shocked when something bad happened as a result.
And toward the end especially there were some plot points that were a bit convenient, for sure. But I still had a really fun time with this!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Slavery, Trafficking, Xenophobia, Animal cruelty, Gore, Violence, Confinement, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Child abuse, Child death, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, and Torture
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