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kingrosereads's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
A sci-fi fantasy about bodily autonomy that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat gritting your teeth.
Elfreda Raughn is a magical practitioner part of the Sisterhood of Aytrium. The Sisters use a form of magic called lace that they regenerate by consuming the flesh of martyred Sisters. These are usually their mothers and they're put into these comas that keep them on the brink of death. A Sister's duty includes making more Sisters, however the problem is the Sisters don't have a choice and their lace curses the men they become intimate with and they will eventually have to be martyred so their daughters may consume them. Elfreda is willing to do everything and anything she can to avoid bearing a child, including becoming a spy for the rebel cause.
It's the casual cannibalism for me. Like literally, I cannot deal with cannibalism so thankfully those scenes were kept to a minimal. It was introduced in such a blasé way I was mentally shouting at the fact that everyone was just fine with it, but as it turns out, lots of people are grossed out by it.
Overall, I thought the concept was interesting and unique. The worldbuilding was also really different and I wish more time was spent on it. I love the magical system despite my disgust, and it was definitely a profound commentary on how even powerful women, the most powerful in society, have to make these incredible sacrifices. Also, bi women are running this civilization and I loved it.
I felt the pacing and the action sequences were a little off and jarring in places. It was also a little difficult to follow at times. But overall, it's a great read with a somewhat satisfying end.
Elfreda Raughn is a magical practitioner part of the Sisterhood of Aytrium. The Sisters use a form of magic called lace that they regenerate by consuming the flesh of martyred Sisters. These are usually their mothers and they're put into these comas that keep them on the brink of death. A Sister's duty includes making more Sisters, however the problem is the Sisters don't have a choice and their lace curses the men they become intimate with and they will eventually have to be martyred so their daughters may consume them. Elfreda is willing to do everything and anything she can to avoid bearing a child, including becoming a spy for the rebel cause.
It's the casual cannibalism for me. Like literally, I cannot deal with cannibalism so thankfully those scenes were kept to a minimal. It was introduced in such a blasé way I was mentally shouting at the fact that everyone was just fine with it, but as it turns out, lots of people are grossed out by it.
Overall, I thought the concept was interesting and unique. The worldbuilding was also really different and I wish more time was spent on it. I love the magical system despite my disgust, and it was definitely a profound commentary on how even powerful women, the most powerful in society, have to make these incredible sacrifices. Also, bi women are running this civilization and I loved it.
I felt the pacing and the action sequences were a little off and jarring in places. It was also a little difficult to follow at times. But overall, it's a great read with a somewhat satisfying end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cannibalism, Rape, Sexism, and Sexual assault
musebeliever's review
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
0.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Cannibalism, Eating disorder, Body horror, Sexism, and Murder
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