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leona's review
- 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
4.5
I found this book to have a rather slow start, and I did struggle a bit to really get into it. After a while though, I was fully engrossed and flew through this book so quickly.
Jovis was probably my favourite character in the story. He's witty and determined and just a very likeable character. His desperation to find his wife feels raw and realistic, I really sympathise with his struggles. The mystery of the blue-sailed ship is intriguing, as well as the mystery of 'what the hell is Mephi?' I love Mephi. He really adds some hope and love in this story. Especially as there is definitely some romance in the story, but mainly from relationships that have already been established - so it was nice to see Jovis have such a caring / parental love for Mephi (and have a new relationship established). Jovis really is a well-moralled and decent person at heart, with a tough exterior.
Lin was also pretty cool. Her chapters were some of the more captivating of the story, especially in the last half of the book. She wasn't my favourite character but I really enjoyed getting to see the way that Bone Shard magic could be used, especially first-hand from someone learning it for the first time. I think this was a very intelligent way to introduce readers to the magic system (a magic system which is quite frankly brilliant, one of my favourites since allomancy!) And wow. Those plot twists and cliff-hangers at the end... Just excellent. I mean I did call a few of the twists
Another main POV is that of Phalue and Ranami. Their chapters were interesting although not my favourites because I wasn't really all that interested in the uprising / rebel side story. However, I think Phalue and Ranami are one of the best lesbian relationships I have read in fantasy recently. I appreciated the way that different sexualities / sexual preferences were completely integrated and unquestioned in society, they aren't token characters, but feel very realistic. They aren't treated any differently to a straight couple, and the challenges they face in this already established relationship feel very realistic, and I imagine are probably quite relatable. There is also some interesting exploration of classism, and how economic status can effect someone's life opportunities and happiness. I'm hoping we get a bit more depth from them in future installments.
I liked some of the side characters a fair amount as well, especially Sand, and the other people on that island. I loved the element of mystery around the whole book, and the revelations were most definitely worth it!
I find the whole concept of this book so utterly fascinating, and I really enjoyed the philosophical elements (almost sci-fi esque), with themes such as
Overall, I just really loved this first book, and I genuinely think it has the potential to become a new favourite trilogy of mine! 4.5 stars. Highly recommend.
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Murder, Body horror, and Child death
Minor: Chronic illness, Classism, Confinement, and Racism
therainbowshelf'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
5.0
Graphic: Racism, Blood, Violence, Xenophobia, Terminal illness, Kidnapping, Death, Confinement, Torture, Grief, Child death, and Body horror
Memory loss, earthquake, natural disasterlucystolethesky's review
- 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: Trafficking, Grief, Blood, and Death
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Body horror, Violence, Classism, Confinement, Murder, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Incest, and Trafficking
Minor: Violence, Toxic friendship, Injury/Injury detail, Xenophobia, Incest, and Grief
anni_swanilda'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
3.0
Graphic: Blood, Child death, Confinement, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Classism, Death of parent, Violence, Gore, Murder, and Body horror
Moderate: Animal death, Child abuse, Grief, Animal cruelty, and Kidnapping
katymat18'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
3.75
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Body horror, Child abuse, Grief, Animal cruelty, Death of parent, Gore, and Murder
Minor: Confinement
hanz's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Blood, Death, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Confinement, Gore, and Grief
mothie_girlie'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
Graphic: Animal cruelty and Trafficking
Moderate: Blood and Body horror
Minor: Confinement
lavendera_'s review
- 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
4.5
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Death, Physical abuse, Gore, Torture, Murder, and Death of parent
Moderate: Slavery, Trafficking, Torture, Violence, Grief, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Alcohol, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, Confinement, and Kidnapping
ticktock'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? It's complicated
5.0
Moderate: Blood, Child death, Confinement, Death, Gore, Murder, and Violence
bookishexpat's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Murder, Violence, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, and Confinement