puffins57's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Spoiler
This book is hot. I very much enjoyed the scenes and the content (although definitely triggering please check TW before reading this book). That being said, the dub-con early on was very much plainly rapey and even though it later more clearly developed into cnc, some of the earlier moments were slightly hard to read (Although the first hallway scene was incredibly hot and did leave me immediately searching for my boyfriend…). I very much enjoyed the character intros/cross-overs for those who will be stepping into the spotlight for the later books; I thought this was very well done and adds a slight sense of continuity between books despite the shift in main characters that I know is going to hook me and keep me wanting to continue the series. I also thought it was also really cool how the author incorporated various emblemas of Aladdin and character names while also completely changing the story.I loved the way Jafar emphasized the importance of a safe word and aftercare for those he was with- while there were many questionable parts of this book I always love seeing those things incorporated. The Underworld was also something I wasn’t expecting to find so hot yet very much did. Oh and Meg- more specifically Jasmines attraction to Meg and everyone’s enthusiasm to have a threesome was lovely to see. One of the only real major issues I had that took me out of the book a little bit was the way jasmine calls and jafar requests to be referred to as “Daddy”. Now I loved how he called her “Baby girl” and honorifics aren’t usually a turn off for me by any means but the way they used Daddy was a bit much for me and just seemed odd and a bit out of place.
My absolute favorite thing about this book is how Jasmine is able to finally step into her own power all by herself. As wonderful as it is to have someone search for you and defend you and come to your rescue, I love seeing the character growth and see the woman finally get the power she deserves. Also the fact that she can be so powerful yet also be Jaguars sub was a lovely inclusion :)
Graphic: Confinement, Murder, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual harassment, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Bullying, Classism, Cursing, Kidnapping, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
icy_queen's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Kidnapping, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Murder, Blood, Violence, Death, and Death of parent
Moderate: Sexual assault, Physical abuse, Sexism, and Emotional abuse
veryvexatious's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Rape, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Murder
Moderate: Confinement, Cursing, Sexual violence, Death of parent, Kidnapping, Death, Misogyny, and Violence
Minor: War, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Slavery, Vomit, Child abuse, Blood, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Gore, Sexism, and Physical abuse
thecatconstellation's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Sexism, Kidnapping, Physical abuse, Confinement, Murder, Misogyny, and Cursing
Minor: Rape, Blood, Vomit, Gun violence, Death of parent, and Alcohol
art_books_chemistry's review
- 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
3.0
I do still recommend this for those who like the down and dirty dominant mafia boss falls for the princess type of story.
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Sexism, Sexual content, Confinement, Murder, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Death of parent
bookspot's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Graphic: Murder, Sexism, Child abuse, and Sexual content
ruthiedr89's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
Graphic: Murder, Sexism, Stalking, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Death of parent, Blood, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Kidnapping
Minor: Vomit, Panic attacks/disorders, Alcohol, Trafficking, and Sexual assault
daringreader13's review
- 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? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Sexism
Consensual nonconsent- explicitplumpaperbacks's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
While my favorite of Robert’s books is still Neon Gods—I don’t think anything can top that one—this was still a good book. I liked Jasmine, liked watching her break free of her cages and grow more confident over the course of the story. I quite liked Megara and Tink, and am excited to see more of them. As for Jafar, I was mostly indifferent toward him, though I can appreciate his subtle character development. Great final plot twists—I was NOT expecting that betrayal or that murder—and a satisfying ending.
A couple of extra thoughts unrelated to my rating: I wasn’t a fan of Jasmine calling Jafar “daddy” (it’s weird to me, sorry not sorry) or of Jafar’s narrator in the audiobook. His voice was really low and raspy and honestly kind of creepy. Thankfully, he didn’t have very many chapters.
Representation
- queer protagonists of color
- queer side characters (some are also POC)
Graphic: Death of parent, Sexism, Sexual content, Murder, and Death
Moderate: Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, and Confinement
Jasmine grew up confined to her father’s estate, and was often emotionally and occasionally physically abused by him.ohkimly's review
3.0
Graphic: Blood, Confinement, Cursing, Kidnapping, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Violence
Minor: Vomit, Physical abuse, and Murder