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redplanetreads's reviews
25 reviews
3.0
- 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
4.5
Favorite Male Character: Andry Trelland
In a rare instance, I found this sequel to be better than the first book. The character development expanded widely and got much more interesting. I loved seeing the hope still alive in Andry and Corayne, and the slow burn between Sorasa and Domacridhan is fantastically built. Taristan and Erica’s relationship is darkly twisted and fascinating to try and dissect. My main criticism is quickly ending the lives of who could have been some very interesting side characters, but that’s a subjective matter. I’m very excited for the ending to the trilogy!
Graphic: Blood and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child abuse and Toxic relationship
- 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
4.0
Favorite Male Character: Andry Trelland
I really liked this one! I’ve been reading work by this author for a while, and I have to say that her writing has grown so much since her first series. RB felt a little non-linear and confusing at times, but once I really got into it I fell in love with the setting and the characters. With an expansive world build and enthralling storyline of danger, deception, and royal intrigue, I would recommend this for fans of LOTR, Six of Crows, and general sweeping fantasy novels.
Graphic: Death and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Blood and Grief
Minor: Sexual content
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Graphic: Rape and Injury/Injury detail
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Moderate: Ableism, Child abuse, Child death, Death, and Racism
- 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
4.0
Favorite Male Character: Kiv
This was one of the few times I’ve enjoyed the sequel more than the first book. It provided a really interesting commentary on what it means to be human and the advances of AI technology while still being an engaging science fantasy blend. I’m looking forward to see what the author comes out with, next.
Moderate: Blood and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Body shaming
- 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
3.5
Favorite Male Character: Lew-Eadin
I had a hard time getting into this book at first. The author’s choice to create her own dialect was strange and took a long time to get used to, but at the same time it provided a stimulating linguistic challenge. The characters are somewhat grating up until the end, but I think I’ve formed bonds with at least some of them. Hard to get through for most of it, but definitely picks up at the end.
Moderate: Body shaming and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Blood
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Favorite Male Character: Derek Pewter-Flores
Notable Quote: “No one was coming. No one was ever coming to help us.”
This book was great! I haven’t read much horror, but this was a fantastic way to start. Small-town romance and mystery meets magical realism in a brilliant clash of relatable, detailed writing. The characters feel like real people, and the setting could be a place just down the road. Overall, an amazing read. Congratulations to the author on her debut novel.
Moderate: Animal death, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
4.0
Favorite Male Character: Pollux Crane
Notable Quote: “You are not alone. You’re not.”
Similar To: The Testing, Incarceron
*please read content warnings*
I wasn’t super into this book at first, put off by the author’s willingness to directly lean into the worst parts of how people can treat each other. But as I kept reading, I grew more and more attached to the characters and invested in the story. They are all deeply complex people, and I applaud the author’s writing style for being able to so effectively break them open. I will definitely keep reading these.
Graphic: Mental illness, Transphobia, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Addiction, Panic attacks/disorders, Fire/Fire injury, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Outing
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Favorite Male Character: Karr Kingston
Notable Quote: “I’ll see you when the stars go dim.”
Overall, I enjoyed this book thoroughly. But I do think that, at times, the author’s blending of fantasy and science fiction didn’t always work. The characters were complex and interesting, and the plot really picked up towards the end. I would recommend this if you liked Veronica Roth’s Carve the Mark duology.
Moderate: Death, Blood, Medical content, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders