Scan barcode
fanchera's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Graphic: Child death, Death, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cursing and Sexual content
katievallin's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Chronic illness, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Terminal illness, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child abuse, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Sexual content, Vomit, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Minor: Body horror, Child death, Infidelity, Sexism, and Fire/Fire injury
izzy9's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Cursing
sophs_mood_reading'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
We meet Elsbeth, cursed with the infection and possessed by a creepy nightmare beast/man, let’s just say life’s complicated.
For years she’s stayed hidden from those hunting the infected but then on one fateful day (courtly ball) she finds herself suddenly face to face with the man who is in charge of ridding the world of the infected (yup not great), and yes he is handsome and broody with some mysteries of his own (well hello captain).
Thus we start a tale of two sworn foes thrown together to help save their world. But of course they both have secrets they are yet to share.
I have to say I love me some ye old- timey fantasy/ magical books. We have kings, castles, curses, heroines and a broody MMC who I am sure is a spitting image of Henry Cavil 🤣.
There was a great unique magic system and it was a fun way to see the price paid for using magic and how it is wielded.
Pet peeve of course is a cliffhanger where there is no resolution to the story and you need to read the next book. But I will happily do this as it was great.
Moderate: Cursing, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent and Abandonment
missgarceau's review against another edition
- 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
3.75
I recommend waiting until the series is complete tbh.
The magic system is fascinating & the lore is intriguing. It’s like a dark and twisted fairytale full of riddles & rhymes. An epic quest full of shock & horror and a sprinkle of slow-burn romance.
It’s not FTB but the spice is mild.
Idk if this is categorized as a romance, but unless there’s an HEA- I might trash it in my fury & rage! I am REELING after that ending!! Toddler tantrum level 3000!!!
Caveat emptor. Buyer beware.
Graphic: Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Hate crime, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
lbelow's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Gore, Terminal illness, Torture, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Body horror, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Mental illness, Sexual content, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
One scene in this book has a villainous character magically drugging the protagonist's wine for the purpose of taking advantage of her (not sexually). Maiming (disabling, specifically of the legs) is considered just recompense by one (somewhat) villainous character toward another villainous character.moonchild_cos'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
Graphic: Gore, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Sexual content and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Body horror, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Abandonment, and Alcohol
clairew97'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
3.75
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal death, Body horror, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Hate crime, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Medical content, Grief, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
monchoithe's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I originally picked it up to get out of a reading slump but was pleasantly surprised quickly after starting it. It has an interesting magic system and had intriguing characters sprinkled about. It's been a long time since I've read a fantasy story that had me sucked into the dark and mysterious plot while also giving me a reprieve of laughter every now and then. I am highly anticipating the next installment of "The Shepherd King"!
Spoiler
I would also like to say that I absolutely loved Emory. I was always sad to see him leave the scene! Just a sickly boy with a sense of humor. I also enjoyed reading Elspeth's perspective. I was happy to read about a main protagonist who didn't hate everything in the world but just wanted to feel safe. I hope to see her again soon.Moderate: Cursing, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, and Alcohol
There is one spicy scene. Since the book is a dark fantasy, there's blood and violence that come with the action scenes. I'm not sure whether to or how to label the King's guard and their obvious abuse towards people.naomi_k's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Body horror, Cursing, Death, Gore, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Blood, Vomit, Dysphoria, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Domestic abuse and Abandonment