sophiexxjones's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The majority of this book was incredible. It was tense, suspenseful, emotional and a delight to read. I was so intrigued and excited by the political and philosophical aspects. I could not put it down.
But, after the first half of the book, where the plot is so action-driven, a romance is stuffed in. At first, I welcomed it, and enjoyed it, but it became a pain when it was clear that the book would focus on it, rather than keep it as a subplot, then awkwardly weave it into the plot. As with most YA dystopian novels, when the plot and romance are both too big to be evenly balanced, they both end clumsily tied-up in the last few chapters.
By the end, the novel had started to do the thing in books that I hate the most, which is when the author tries to stuff as many plot twists and betrayals into the climax as possible, which just results in a poorly-paced, confusing and dissatisfying ending. I enjoy fast-paced books, but by this point, I was getting whiplash and had no time to process anything or feel with the characters.
It just felt like too much by the end - I didn’t know who to root for and finishing it felt like a chore. Disappointing, because the concept and world-building is truely amazing.
But, after the first half of the book, where the plot is so action-driven, a romance is stuffed in. At first, I welcomed it, and enjoyed it, but it became a pain when it was clear that the book would focus on it, rather than keep it as a subplot, then awkwardly weave it into the plot. As with most YA dystopian novels, when the plot and romance are both too big to be evenly balanced, they both end clumsily tied-up in the last few chapters.
By the end, the novel had started to do the thing in books that I hate the most, which is when the author tries to stuff as many plot twists and betrayals into the climax as possible, which just results in a poorly-paced, confusing and dissatisfying ending. I enjoy fast-paced books, but by this point, I was getting whiplash and had no time to process anything or feel with the characters.
It just felt like too much by the end - I didn’t know who to root for and finishing it felt like a chore. Disappointing, because the concept and world-building is truely amazing.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use, Grief, Sexual assault, and Suicide
zara_m's review
adventurous
dark
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
5.0
Okay so i got this book because Chloe Gong said on her tiktok that it was really good so of course I had to buy it. I just finished it like a minute ago and I'm still processing this was really really good. I'd say it's pretty fast paced and I love the main character nemesis (i love her name too). She had great character development and is literally so cool. I have to say this book was a lot like The Cruel Prince, but it's in space in the future and there are obviously many elements that are different. I really think the ideas and the characters as well as some plot points are very similar though. This is not a bad thing; I love The Cruel Prince it's literally my favorite book so I have really high expectations for the next two books in this series, The Empress and The Nemesis.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Torture, Slavery, Rape, Drug use, and Murder
Moderate: Child abuse, Blood, and Animal death
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
fruity_'s review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Violence, Toxic relationship, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Rape, Murder, Mental illness, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Gore, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, Confinement, Bullying, Body horror, and Blood
aimeereads's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
- underwhelming, could've been better
- not exactly homophobic, but i'm pretty sure they pulled a bury your gays
- the court intrigue was enjoyable, but lord it was not convincing?? the concept was there, but the execution??? sloppy
- where are the content warnings??? they should be on the cover ffs
- would-be slow-burn wasn't executed well either, and really doesn't make any sense
- also, i despise the narrative of strong female warriors becoming soft and shit for random men??? like what is the reason??
- and lastly, the sci-fi changing your appearance elements were low-key racist
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Bullying, Death, Drug use, Genocide, Slavery, Gore, and Violence
Minor: Rape and Sexual assault
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