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theespressoedition's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
3.0
While I felt that the audiobook was narrated in a beautiful way, I had a really hard time following the story. The voice actor did a magnificent job and gave each character unique vocal qualities that made them stand out amongst the large cast. However, the quick-paced story combined with the immense detail included left me in the dust a few times. I typically listen to audiobooks while doing other tasks, but this is one I would've needed to listen to while doing nothing much at all, so I could focus completely.
All that being said, I chose to pick up the ebook for the final few chapters, which allowed me to comprehend some of the story a bit better - but not entirely. I found that the book itself was just really confusing. I had a hard time understanding what was happening at any given moment. There were so many events that took place and so much betrayal and so many characters. It was a lot to fully comprehend.
I did enjoy the magic system and the representation in the book. For the sequel, I plan to only read the physical copy from beginning to end in hopes that it'll help me retain the information being presented to me. I think I could enjoy it a lot if I hadn't been switching between formats.
Graphic: Torture, Kidnapping, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
genny'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
4.25
All that said, it's a worthwhile read and it proved to me that there's still space for fresh, unique stories in YA fantasy. I dove into the sequel immediately after finishing this :)
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child death, Death, Sexual content, and Death of parent
Minor: Adult/minor relationship and Rape
bookishdaylight's review against another edition
4.25
It started at the beginning of Tarisai's young age when she was made to study and learn everything to become one of the council 11. Tarisai, longing to be part of a family along with being cared for and loved, follows The Lady's command for she is compelled to obey. When she was sent to the palace to be anointed, this is where she meets the other characters that I grew fond of as the story progressed. The relationship she has with Dayo, Jeet, and Kirah was everything in the story though there are some characters that we barely got a glimpse of. Hopefully, we'll get to know more of them in the second book.
Tarisai who is loyal and fierce and defies The lady's command starts to face a lot of challenges along the way to protect her friends and to make sure that there would be justice and peace in The city of Oluwan as well as the whole Aritsar Empire itself.
This was truly an amazing and unique read!!
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Blood, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
marareading'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
Tarisai, our young MC. She was raised away from society with her mother restricting all of her information and even keeping her from the touch of people around her. She was born for a specific mission, but she doesn't know it yet. Not yet knowing what that is and if she will have a choice to fight what is coming.
This book has found family, lost magic and amazing twists and turns. I haven't been this excited about a YA fantasy since I read Children of Blood and Bone or Skyhunter.
HIGHLY recommend 🙌🏼🎉
Graphic: Child abuse, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
maregred'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
Moderate: Death, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Colonisation, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child death
bookcaptivated'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: Death, Emotional abuse, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Misogyny, Violence, and Grief
Minor: Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Sexual content, Vomit, and Classism
jackiepreston'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
4.5
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, and Injury/Injury detail
nutmegandpumpkin'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
The cast of characters is not only diverse in skin color / ethnicity but also in sexualities, religion, and physical appearance. For instance, there is a character that is asexual, characters that have crushed on both female and male characters, a blind character, and a character that wears a headscarf.
Only thing about the book that was meh: sometimes it was a bit frustrating and had me rolling my eyes and yelling at the characters at some points for not noticing certain things that felt very obvious (however this happened only a couple of times and wasn’t enough for me to doc the rating).
Would definitely recommend!!
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Misogyny, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Blood, Grief, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Vomit, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual content
mmccombs's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Abandonment
Minor: Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
wrenxavier's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Grief, Religious bigotry, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Confinement, Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Rape, Self harm, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and War