Scan barcode
emily_mh's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The good things I have to say about this book are that it was well-paced (it always felt like we were moving onto the next thing, but not in a hurried way) and had that classic fantasy quest structure (so it felt comforting to read). Unfortunately I struggled with the rest of it.
I found Alex’s powers way too convenient. She was capable of doing anything with no training, so whatever sticky situation she found herself in I knew she’d use her powers and get out of it. Not only was this repetitive, but it felt unearned. There’s always a risk that a “chosen one” trope will play out like this as they are given their special status without having to do anything.
The love triangle was awkward. I didn’t want to watch two teenagers verbally spar over a third but that was what I got. Alex had better chemistry with Nova, probably because he’s a fully realised character with a backstory, but I found him to be insufferable. He was very much the type of person to invalidate your pain because it’s not as bad as his. Rishi was the much more likeable LI but Córdova doesn’t flesh out her character beyond being a love interest, hence the lack of chemistry between her and Alex.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Animal death, Car accident, Panic attacks/disorders, Abandonment, and Blood
Minor: Grief, Gore, Ableism, Misogyny, Sexism, Death of parent, Alcohol, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Self harm, Child abuse, Fatphobia, Physical abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Drug use, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Body shaming, Racism, and Vomit
Moderate: death of pet Minor: internalised misogyny, homelessness, menstruation, fainting, self-injury, foster care systemarmontheroad's review
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book is popular for a reason! If I could give LABYRINTH LOST higher than a 5-star rating, I would without hesitation. The magic system was such an incredible, immersive thing. The queer rep was *chef’s kiss*! Also, loved how graphic and dark this got at times. Definitely was not expecting it to get as detailed as it did in some parts, but it just added to my love of this novel! Cannot wait to read the other books in this series and see where the story goes.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Gore, Blood, Animal death, Self harm, Car accident, Fatphobia, Animal cruelty, and Homophobia
More...