seoltang's review against another edition
4.0
i was a bit torn between 3 and 4 stars about midway through because the writing could have been better and the pacing was messy but the end had me hooked for the next book. so many questions!!!! so many men, however. makes me wonder if its a typical case of "man doesnt know how to write women because he thinks they're strange so he does not write them".... still liked that it was Queer(tm) urban fantasy and the Arcana and tarot system is so cool and inventive!!
frostfeather's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder, Violence, Cursing, Sexual content, Classism, Death, and Grief
Minor: Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, War, Torture, and Pedophilia
saladbar's review against another edition
2.0
Four stars for the first half/One star for the second half and skimmed the last part. I so wanted to like this because the writing was good (though I almost DNF after reading "released a breath he didn't know he was holding"), but it didn't keep its promises. Addam was creepy af, too.
mars_rouge's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
5.0
readingandconfused's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
amazing group of character. This book was one part funny, sad and a mystery that slowly unravels, you will enjoy it, I sure did. Addams younger brother is one of my favourites.
maddierkern's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
kalah's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
danielfreyr's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I would have given it a higher rating since I loved the writing and LOVED the story but I despised the relationship and whenever the story revolved around that I got frustrated and throughout the rest of the book I was just waiting for the author to reveal that they tricked us and that the relationship wouldn't happen so when it did I got super disappointed
jmross10's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I’ve seen this book around quite a bit and finally got around to picking it up.
It’s a little different of a fantasy setup than what I’m used too in that it deals with Atlanteans. That said, I think Edwards did a good job of building out that aspect of the world and making it interesting, but also easy enough to follow. It’s never great when politically driven situations are central to the plot but the reader can’t follow the politics well enough to understand what’s happening and why.
I really enjoyed the various characters and their range of dynamics. From the antagonistic (but affectionate) relationship between Rune and Brand, to the much more outwardly caring relationship between Adam and Quinn. I especially liked that we get to see some characters reflect on their choices in relationships and are forced to accept that what seemed right in the moment might have made them blind in the long run.
One thing I was not aware of going into the book was how heavily sexual assault (particularly of minors) would factor in. While it’s implied on the first couple pages it’s done in a way that makes the reader question the truth of it (on purpose). As the story unfolds that truth comes out and it’s not always to easy read. Especially since it’s made clear that victim blaming is not just a toxic tendency but a tradition of Atlantean society. That said, I think Edwards does a good job of acknowledging that trauma and not having the character automatically move past it, without it coming across too much as exploiting the situation.
Overall, I really liked the book. So much so I dove immediately into the second. I’m very curious to see where the story goes.
It’s a little different of a fantasy setup than what I’m used too in that it deals with Atlanteans. That said, I think Edwards did a good job of building out that aspect of the world and making it interesting, but also easy enough to follow. It’s never great when politically driven situations are central to the plot but the reader can’t follow the politics well enough to understand what’s happening and why.
I really enjoyed the various characters and their range of dynamics. From the antagonistic (but affectionate) relationship between Rune and Brand, to the much more outwardly caring relationship between Adam and Quinn. I especially liked that we get to see some characters reflect on their choices in relationships and are forced to accept that what seemed right in the moment might have made them blind in the long run.
One thing I was not aware of going into the book was how heavily sexual assault (particularly of minors) would factor in. While it’s implied on the first couple pages it’s done in a way that makes the reader question the truth of it (on purpose). As the story unfolds that truth comes out and it’s not always to easy read. Especially since it’s made clear that victim blaming is not just a toxic tendency but a tradition of Atlantean society. That said, I think Edwards does a good job of acknowledging that trauma and not having the character automatically move past it, without it coming across too much as exploiting the situation.
Overall, I really liked the book. So much so I dove immediately into the second. I’m very curious to see where the story goes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Murder, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, Sexual content, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Child abuse and Death