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gabsoulutely's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Honestly cannot bring myself to give it a 4 star rating when I was utterly confused about where this story was going for more than half of its entirety.
I am giving it a 3.75 stars because the ending was better than I thought it would be. I really wish the best for the characters involved, but man it's so sad that there's so much drama and trauma for the main characters. It's truly such a difficult read in the topics that they focus on, including sexual assault and so much political intrigue. Even murder and kidnapping. Just so much happened in this book and I'm like overwhelmed. I still barely know who's who in this book, but I do appreciate Addam.
TW: detailed description of sexual assault, attempted murder, murder, and kidnapping.
I am giving it a 3.75 stars because the ending was better than I thought it would be. I really wish the best for the characters involved, but man it's so sad that there's so much drama and trauma for the main characters. It's truly such a difficult read in the topics that they focus on, including sexual assault and so much political intrigue. Even murder and kidnapping. Just so much happened in this book and I'm like overwhelmed. I still barely know who's who in this book, but I do appreciate Addam.
TW: detailed description of sexual assault, attempted murder, murder, and kidnapping.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Violence, Kidnapping, Stalking, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Genocide
princesse_paillettes's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-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? N/A
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Death of parent
Moderate: Child abuse and Rape
Minor: Homophobia
catwithspectacles's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I flew through this book in five days, which is an endorsement in and of itself. Edwards has an incredible sense of tone and voice that propel the book forward. (Think Percy Jackson, but for adults.) Rune is an endearing protagonist, and although his development in this book was limited, there was a sense of beginning that befits the first book of a long series. I was disappointed with the lack of female characters, but the representation of gay men was strong.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Gore, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Kidnapping
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, and Homophobia
alouette's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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? Yes
4.5
sometimes love is a gay poly trio solving a mystery and fighting monsters, and i just think that's neat
seriously though, this action-packed urban fantasy surprised me in the best way. the dialogue, relationships, and fight sequences were stunning, i loved those aspects so, so much. while the first chapter did have me stumbling a bit, i like that you didn't have to understand the Atlantean society's structure to enjoy the book, and the magic itself was easy to grasp and lots of fun. the world was fascinating, and the author masterfully balanced humour with the dark story and violence. dark content which is not just for shock or anything but adds to the story and characters. my hope for the sequel is more characters of colour and female or gnc characters!
seriously though, this action-packed urban fantasy surprised me in the best way. the dialogue, relationships, and fight sequences were stunning, i loved those aspects so, so much. while the first chapter did have me stumbling a bit, i like that you didn't have to understand the Atlantean society's structure to enjoy the book, and the magic itself was easy to grasp and lots of fun. the world was fascinating, and the author masterfully balanced humour with the dark story and violence. dark content which is not just for shock or anything but adds to the story and characters. my hope for the sequel is more characters of colour and female or gnc characters!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Eating disorder, Gun violence, Rape, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Adult/minor relationship and Homophobia
dune1984's review against another edition
This book is bizarre. There are many elements that I think could make a very good fantasy story, such as found family, an interesting magic system, and intriguing characters. Despite all this, Edwards can't seem to put these together into a good story. A new character is introduced halfway through and doesn't fit in as well, and the found family trope is ruined by certain actions. Not to mention a large amount of graphic sex scenes, which is not preferable to me. By two thirds in, I couldn't handle any more if it. To each their own, I guess.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Sexual content
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship