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nicole_reads_everything's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 rounded up
This book starts out... not great. You're thrust right into the middle of the action with zero world-building or scene setting, and for the first 25% or so I was quite lost and bordering on DNFing. However, once I got past that hump, I ended up really, really enjoying the book and all but devouring it. I appreciate that the author doesn't get lost in a bunch of exposition dumps to convey the world-building, but the result is that it takes too long to feel like you understand the world, and even by the end I'm shakier than I'd prefer--though I super appreciate that the fantasy aspect seems super interesting and unique which can be hard in an ~urban/modern~ fantasy. The characters here are wonderful and why I kept reading, and as somebody who is more character than plot-driven, the author definitely made me care about everybody and I already feel deeply invested. The book ends satisfyingly but it's very clear that this is the first in a series (apparently of 9 planned books) with a LOT of open threads/questions that I can already tell are going to annoy me since only there are only 2 books out right now. I was definitely here for queer fantasy and I was very pleasantly surprised that we even get a bit of MM smut that isn't entirely fade to black! Def not super explicit, but on-screen, hooray! I'll definitely be eagerly following this series and the subsequent releases!
This book starts out... not great. You're thrust right into the middle of the action with zero world-building or scene setting, and for the first 25% or so I was quite lost and bordering on DNFing. However, once I got past that hump, I ended up really, really enjoying the book and all but devouring it. I appreciate that the author doesn't get lost in a bunch of exposition dumps to convey the world-building, but the result is that it takes too long to feel like you understand the world, and even by the end I'm shakier than I'd prefer--though I super appreciate that the fantasy aspect seems super interesting and unique which can be hard in an ~urban/modern~ fantasy. The characters here are wonderful and why I kept reading, and as somebody who is more character than plot-driven, the author definitely made me care about everybody and I already feel deeply invested. The book ends satisfyingly but it's very clear that this is the first in a series (apparently of 9 planned books) with a LOT of open threads/questions that I can already tell are going to annoy me since only there are only 2 books out right now. I was definitely here for queer fantasy and I was very pleasantly surprised that we even get a bit of MM smut that isn't entirely fade to black! Def not super explicit, but on-screen, hooray! I'll definitely be eagerly following this series and the subsequent releases!
yasidiaz's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- 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
kmp37's review against another edition
2.0
genuinely the only reason this didn’t get one star is bc I was able to take screenshots of the most ridiculous parts and share them with friends. This book is absolutely nonsensical, throws literally everything possible in its setting, and has the weirdest/most confusing world building ever. I had no idea what was going on most of the time.
how on earth did this get published
how on earth did this get published
yotterz's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
rafaelsampaio's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Blood, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Child abuse, Eating disorder, Incest, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
cassiacow's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
medium-paced
- 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
4.0
Really enjoyed this one! Loved the worldbuilding, and the plot felt compelling and fun to watch unfold - I had a great time. I did find some of the characters a bit one-dimensional, which does happen when you have as many named characters as this book. However, I loved the main characters - will definitely be coming back for book 2!
solem's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
- 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
3.75
jaishans's review against another edition
4.0
3.75/5.00
I gave this one the full five stars.. it’s among the handful of books I’ve found to be strongly rooted in the high-urban fantasy blend, while bringing out strong romance and friendship between characters. Great story world, lots of suspense and the action is clean enough to follow..
We need more quality stories with queer characters at the front. I will admit the story is more urban than high fantasy. The use of seers is a bit of a cliche.. but i thoroughly enjoyed this page-turner!
I gave this one the full five stars.. it’s among the handful of books I’ve found to be strongly rooted in the high-urban fantasy blend, while bringing out strong romance and friendship between characters. Great story world, lots of suspense and the action is clean enough to follow..
We need more quality stories with queer characters at the front. I will admit the story is more urban than high fantasy. The use of seers is a bit of a cliche.. but i thoroughly enjoyed this page-turner!