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sebastianwhisker's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: War and Violence
aksmith92's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I am thankful for the break because it also allowed me to review SJM books more critically. SJM is one of the more prominent authors in the social media, where many familiar tropes and themes are checked in pretty little boxes. The fandom is beyond massive. All of which to say: SJM is talked about A LOT. Good and bad. I was interested in starting this reading journey in her series because I was so curious about it. To discuss SJM and her series in general on this review for Queen of Shadows seems silly, as it will likely fade away in Storygraph's abyss, but it has been on the top of my mind. Therefore, I will keep it brief.
Upon reflection and the SJM break, plus reading other novels, particularly in the vast spectrum of fantasy, literary pieces are missing from the books I've read so far. It may be because of plot holes or missing world-building aspects. Or, it may be because the characters are less dimensional than I like. Reading some of her books (I haven't read the Crescent City series yet!) is a bit TOO YA-like for me (the drama!). Regardless, I must admit I've been struggling with some of these books, even though, oddly, they are incredibly straightforward, and the prose is quite readable. It's a conundrum that I can't figure out. I've rated most of her books 3ish stars because while I fly through them, get their premise, and understand the prose, something needs to be added, and it's hard to pinpoint/articulate. It may have to do with the dramatics, something I struggle with A LOT within the Romantasy category. For instance, "Rowan waited, knowing she was gathering the words, hating the pain and sorrow and guilt on every line of her body. He'd sell his soul to the dark god to never have her look like that again." I mean....I roll my eyes at this. Of course, no one wants to see someone they care about in pain, but selling his soul? It's so dramatic. I think this is what I get for reading a more Young Adult book than anything, and I understand to an extent that this is a me thing. But it's so pronounced everywhere in her books that I sometimes roll my eyes. It's not just that, though; there is more to my conundrum that I cannot pinpoint.
BUT here we are, another review for another Throne of Glass series book. For starters, I became immersed in this novel, similar to how I felt in Heir of Fire. It's very readable, albeit cringy, for me at times since I am now 31 years old. I always have questions about the plot, how the characters got to where they were, and overall, just world-building. However, I generally let that go for a little and flow with the story because while the plot may have some holes, I am interested.
Here is what worked for me: Lysandra's character development (excellent!!!!!!) and the new friendship with Aelin. Yay! Hopefully, this one sticks! Thank goodness the plot around Arobynn looks like it came to an end. I liked how it wrapped up. I also still enjoy Chaol and Dorian. Chaol is a ding dong, of course, but I enjoy his character; he's realistic in a realistic, fantastical kind of way, but I get him. Poor Dorian jeeeeeeeeeeeeeez, but I liked the overall Valg plot point in general, and I think it was an interesting magical system. Manon annoys me, but her character will grow more now!
Here is what didn't work for me: Aelin. She's so annoying. The epitome of a "chosen one." I know this was written in 2015 or something, and it was the time for this type of character, but there are only so many times we can hear about how ruthless and extraordinary she is at 19. Also, I wouldn't say I liked Rowan's chapters - I liked him much better without the POV. As a spoiler,
It's fine! This book was interesting at times, but I still have my qualms. It's a solid 3.5 for me.
Graphic: Self harm, Violence, Physical abuse, Murder, Death, Pregnancy, Suicide, Torture, War, Grief, Confinement, Blood, Gore, Trafficking, and Vomit
Moderate: Cursing and Rape
Minor: Alcohol
Rape is implied but not descriptive.beckyyreadss's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Blood, Violence, and Death
Moderate: Torture, Vomit, and Slavery
Minor: Miscarriage and Pregnancy
ashleynp24's review against another edition
- 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
Lysandra is definitely one of my favorite characters, and I loved getting to learn more about her specific history in this book.
Manon and Elide’s relationship was another one of my favorites, and Manon’s character arc was really fun to read.
The ending was so many emotions and I’m so excited to try the tandem read next.
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Miscarriage, Vomit, War, Violence, Torture, Injury/Injury detail, Gore, Child death, Body horror, Grief, Physical abuse, Confinement, Murder, Genocide, Fire/Fire injury, Death, Suicide, Pregnancy, Blood, and Slavery
meredith_williams_'s review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: War, Torture, Gore, Grief, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Suicide, Blood, and Confinement
Minor: Alcohol, Vomit, and Pregnancy
britwalsh16's review against another edition
- 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
Watching Aelin become who she was always meant to be & fight for her loved ones & what is right, is inspiring! The growth she has had since book 1 is in incredible!
And the bromance between Chaol & Dorian is like my favorite bromance ever! Coming in second only to my bat boys.
All the characters have incredible growth in this book! & I could go on about how much I love them all, but then this will get really long, so I won’t.
But my favorite character is Rowan! & having him not being in the first third of the book gave me serious withdrawal! My heart just leaped out of my chest when he finally showed up! I was so ecstatic! I can’t wait to read more of him, & more of his relationship with Aelin! My heart! 💜
Graphic: Confinement, War, Classism, Death, Child abuse, Colonisation, Grief, Physical abuse, Slavery, Vomit, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Stalking, Torture, Blood, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Body horror, Cannibalism, Kidnapping, Misogyny, Abandonment, Alcohol, Bullying, Child death, Genocide, Cursing, Medical content, Toxic friendship, Trafficking, and Excrement
Minor: Miscarriage and Pregnancy
wishlissa's review against another edition
- 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
4.75
Graphic: Grief and Violence
Moderate: Colonisation and Confinement
Minor: Physical abuse, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Emotional abuse, Blood, Death, Vomit, Slavery, Torture, Murder, and Pregnancy
theoceanrose's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Moderate: Violence, Death, and Blood
Minor: Gaslighting
val_theburrowofstories's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Death, Blood, Violence, and Murder
lisavandonselaar's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Blood, Death, Gore, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, and Miscarriage
Minor: Sexual harassment