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dalicieux's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- 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? Yes
2.5
dizzy_reception's review against another edition
5.0
This is probably one of the best fantasy books I have read in the last 5 years. I was legitimately blown away. The lore is amazing, I actually cared about the characters, and this book has an amazing revenge story which I am a sucker for.
Set in a fantasy universe in what is a parallel to the Roman Empire, in a city which is clearly supposed to be Venice, our protagonist Mia is a 16-year-old girl who vows to get revenge against the people who are responsible for the death of her family (known as familia in this book).
Additionally, when she was 10, shortly after the execution of her father, she was gifted the ability to manipulate shadows. This gift comes in the form of a shadow cat who is able to speak to her but remains hidden unless the cat chooses to reveal itself. Anyone gifted with this ability is called a darkin, and they are generally shunned and considered evil.
A shopkeeper notices the girl and recognizes the family she comes from. He takes her in and decides to start training her as an assassin so she can later attend the Red Church which is a school for assassins. The book follows her journey from the time she leaves the City of Godsgrave (Venice) in her quest to find the Red Church to her time as a student in the Red Church.
I don't want to end up spoiling too much, but if you like a book with a lot of lore, assassins, a revenge tale, and magic, then this book is definitely for you. I'm also relieved that Mia is not a Mary Sue, and a fully fleshed out character with actual flaws.
I actually really liked the footnotes. I found it a unique way to insert the lore behind the religion and politics in the book. It also shows the narrator has an awesome personality, and I'm curious to later learn his relationship to Mia. Some people didn't care for them, but I loved them. The footnotes show up less once the action picks up, so if it's an issue for you, then hang in there, it's worth it.
Anyways, I'm super excited to start reading the second book in the trilogy, Godsgrave.
Side note: This is definitely NOT YA. I do not understand the reviewers calling it such. There is rampant murder, explicit sex scenes, smoking, profanity, and just overall very mature themes. I don't mind that at all, but for those looking for something strictly YA, then this is probably not appropriate.
Set in a fantasy universe in what is a parallel to the Roman Empire, in a city which is clearly supposed to be Venice, our protagonist Mia is a 16-year-old girl who vows to get revenge against the people who are responsible for the death of her family (known as familia in this book).
Additionally, when she was 10, shortly after the execution of her father, she was gifted the ability to manipulate shadows. This gift comes in the form of a shadow cat who is able to speak to her but remains hidden unless the cat chooses to reveal itself. Anyone gifted with this ability is called a darkin, and they are generally shunned and considered evil.
A shopkeeper notices the girl and recognizes the family she comes from. He takes her in and decides to start training her as an assassin so she can later attend the Red Church which is a school for assassins. The book follows her journey from the time she leaves the City of Godsgrave (Venice) in her quest to find the Red Church to her time as a student in the Red Church.
I don't want to end up spoiling too much, but if you like a book with a lot of lore, assassins, a revenge tale, and magic, then this book is definitely for you. I'm also relieved that Mia is not a Mary Sue, and a fully fleshed out character with actual flaws.
I actually really liked the footnotes. I found it a unique way to insert the lore behind the religion and politics in the book. It also shows the narrator has an awesome personality, and I'm curious to later learn his relationship to Mia. Some people didn't care for them, but I loved them. The footnotes show up less once the action picks up, so if it's an issue for you, then hang in there, it's worth it.
Anyways, I'm super excited to start reading the second book in the trilogy, Godsgrave.
Side note: This is definitely NOT YA. I do not understand the reviewers calling it such. There is rampant murder, explicit sex scenes, smoking, profanity, and just overall very mature themes. I don't mind that at all, but for those looking for something strictly YA, then this is probably not appropriate.
quentinh00's review against another edition
Plot was hard for me to follow, I am a new reader for fantasy, plan on coming back and trying to finish
anarkies's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.5
rhoopes's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
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? Yes
5.0
starrydreamer's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
the_kooky_monster's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
3.75
aarnireads's review against another edition
2.0
I wanted to love this so bad, but the stupid amount of footnotes was INCREDIBLY distracting. Very cool writing style + the cat who was not a cat is an intriguing concept, but holyshit. Might work better as an audiobook.
cloverbeee's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
daneelolivaw67's review against another edition
3.0
Uno YA sanguinario, come credo vada di moda.
Scritto bene, si legge con piacere pur non essendo per nulla il mio genere.
Scritto bene, si legge con piacere pur non essendo per nulla il mio genere.