Scan barcode
amy_in_the_city'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? No
4.0
I loved how much focus there was on consent in this book. They both checked in to see if it was OK before they did anything, and I liked that Amarrah respected Njal's boundaries regarding not looking at him or visiting the forbidden wing of the keep.
I did feel like they fell in love too quickly and I would have liked to see them get to know each other better before they declared their love. It kind of felt like their love was mostly based on shared loneliness, pity (on Amarrah's part), and gratitude (on Njal's part). Some of the dialogue felt clunky too.
I still really enjoyed this book though and was rooting for the main characters. I really liked Amarrah as a main character and how she took initiative to figure out how to save Njal.
Graphic: Grief, Violence, Alcohol, Animal death, Physical abuse, Body horror, Confinement, Murder, and Sexual content
Moderate: Torture, Grief, Pandemic/Epidemic, Abandonment, Child abuse, Death, Eating disorder, Injury/Injury detail, Rape, and Self harm
Minor: Pregnancy, Pedophilia, and Death of parent
smuttymcbookface's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
Ammarah is patient and understanding. She never takes what's not offered, and even at the start when Njål doesn't want her to see him, she's willing to wait.
I smile as I settle into my chair. He’s trusting me not to break our compact. It would be so easy to peer through my lashes and see what he’s hiding. But I won’t. Not because I lack curiosity where Njål is concerned, but I don’t want to steal from him. Not his trust, not his truths. I will accept only what’s freely given. And right now, he’s offering his voice.
The magic and mystery was beautifully developed, wrapped up in a world of domestic normality. I love that Ammarah both stood her ground and expected respect without forceful demands. She was pure strength in this book; a refuse for Njål who had never been given kindness nor respect.
One of my favourite things in this book is how Njål openly expressed his feelings and never pulls away. There are no major misunderstandings nor third act breakups, just expressions of simple happiness and love.
“Have you fantasized about me?” “Constantly. But the reality of you far surpasses my dreams.”
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, and Sexual content
Moderate: Murder, Death, and Blood
Minor: Sexual violence
xta_07's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Graphic: Sexual content and Confinement
Minor: Child abuse
tostita's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Minor: Child abuse, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, and Violence
greymalkin's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Child abuse and Child death