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
empathreads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
relaxing
sad
tense
fast-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
5.0
This book has my undivided attention.The character development and the twists and turns of every scene have me on my toes. It has all the elements of what I love about fantasy books, especially in the high fantasy genre, with political factions, fake couple relationship tropes, fighting scenes, a strong female heroine, and tactical and intellectual male characters—it reminds me of the Cruel Prince for some reason. This had a very futuristic setting, onset to living within the cosmos and galaxy where Earth no longer sustains human life. Though it took some time for me to process the terminologies, the novel's concept was really engrossing and impactful. I absolutely love the message conveyed by this: "find yourself, your own truth." I can't wait to read book two.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Animal cruelty, Blood, Confinement, Rape, Torture, War, Murder, Slavery, Violence, Death, Death of parent, Gore, and Grief
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
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