Reviews tagging 'Death of parent'

Une fenêtre sur les ténèbres by Benjamin Peylet, Rachel Gillig

153 reviews

kendranh's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • 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

4.25

This was such a fun immersive book! I loved the world created in Blunder and the idea that magic only existed through decks of cards. The story follows Elspeth, who was “infected” with magic as a child, resulting in
a voice in her head, the personification of the magical Nightmare card
. Elspeth stumbles across highway men one night and her life completely changes as she tries to find a way to save her world.

I wish more time had been given to building Blunder as a world and discussing Elspeth’s family. Particularly Ione, I would have loved to spend more time getting to know her in order to feel properly invested by the changes caused by the Maiden card.

Overall though, I was completely drawn in to the story and I am so worried about the fates of the characters that I have already ordered the next book!
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readyourrights's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • 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

This book has mystery, intrigue, ghosts, magic, and romance! Love the interesting magic system and unique storytelling. The only reason it’s not 5 stars is because I think it needs a glossary to keep track of people and things. 😂
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aseel_reads's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark tense medium-paced
  • 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

4.25

This was so easy to read, it was such a joy. The writing wasn't basic or anything, it was still beautiful but just easy to read and very interesting, kept me captivated! 

I am glad there was only one s*x scene and one kiss scene, much more preferred. I liked the world and the fantasy of it. I enjoyed our characters and I just love magic card stuff, always here for tarot related stuff. 
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and_so_it_goes's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • 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

3.0

Worse than a mediocre romantasy is a mediocre romantasy with potential. One Dark Window has atmosphere and engaging worldbuilding based on dark fairy tales. It has the idea of an engaging female protagonist in its first chapters. Elspeth is quiet, silently flinching at the monster trapped in her head, but quietly resilient. The card magic system may have flaws but it fits the world itself, and the consequences of using magic is compelling. The opening chapters instantly set it apart from many cookie cutter romantasy by having a clear aesthetic and good writing style that ties everything together. 

Then the poems slowly start to grate on you. Some are compelling, eerie, and the rhyme schemes fit. Others are so bad I laughed at what was supposed to be a dark moment. Then, the love interest is introduced…

Ravyn is in no danger of being Rhysand. He is the more brooding, angsty type who actually asks Elspeth’s permission. However, he, like Elspeth, suddenly gets possessed by the spirit of romantasy. 
He is the captain of the Destriers despite secretly being infected himself, and Elspeth barely mentions how he has literally killed his own (and only a brief mention of him ‘helping a few escape’ after Elspeth does the work for them). The two are forced into a very sad fake dating scenario that suddenly rears its mediocre head randomly and reminds you it exists.
Elspeth banters with him in such a bland way it’s almost embarrassing, and their insta-love is so devoid of chemistry I tried convincing myself she’d have a different love interest. 

Elspeth learning she may become insane
is not as horror-fueled as it could be, because one of her key freak out moments is in the middle of a very bland make out scene. This isn’t even mentioning the bland evil stepmother and stepsisters, and her occasionally remembering to be concerned about her cousin. If there was another, better story set in this world with Elspeth’s arc being changed to the suitably horrifying mental war with the Nightmare that I was expecting, then I would read that book instead. The ending is brilliant and horrifying but not worth the suffering no doubt awaiting me in the second book.
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plainromance's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced

4.5

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vireogirl's review against another edition

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adventurous dark 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

4.25

Dark and twisted story but goodness is resilient.  I appreciated that Ravyn asked for permission before he touched her. 
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jcrawford31's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny mysterious medium-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

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saraaa93's review against another edition

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dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

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kayanoelle's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced
  • 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

4.5

This was so intriguing and mysterious!! I couldn’t stop reading. I’m very excited for the next book as I’ve heard from a lot of people that they liked it more and I already loved this one:)
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carlyjoann's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • 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? No

4.5

The world of Blunder has interesting magic and lore that had me hooked. I really like Elspeth and her arc throughout this book a lot. I also really liked the romance in this one, it felt like it played into the story perfectly. I love the lore and magic of the Providence Cards, it was different to most other books I have read. I thought finding out more and more of the magic and cards as the book went on was intriguing. I need to get the second book immediately!
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