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jane_calamity's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Racism, Body horror, and Child abuse
Moderate: Antisemitism and Grief
ddnreads'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? No
5.0
Graphic: Child death, Racism, Physical abuse, Blood, Body horror, Child abuse, Violence, Torture, Kidnapping, and Grief
moonlightreads007'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
4.75
Overall, I found this book to be much more action-packed compared with the previous one in the series - in the first book, the author was clearly providing background information and setting the stage for the events that would folllow. The beginning of this second book in the series was very engaging, and I found that the author was able to maintain suspense throughout. I love how the characters grow closer to one another, and their character development is readily observable (with the exception of Sévérin - I really didn't like his behaviour in this book tbh). The middle and ending parts were full of adventure, investigations, action and peril. The descriptions are exceptionally intricate and detailed; the story progression and plot are very well developed and organized. Be warned, the ending gets really dark (no spoilers this time though, I promise). Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and I would highly recommend it to anyone who liked "The Gilded Wolves" and other similar books with themes of adventure, danger, friendships and mystery.
Graphic: Grief, Violence, Death, and Blood
Moderate: Antisemitism and Racism
Minor: Infertility and Miscarriage
resterenvie's review
4.5
This book also full of angst and heartwrenching lines, I found myself waiting for the next heartache, even for betrayal.
“Love does not always wear the face we wish. I wish my love had been more beautiful. I wish...I wish we had more time.”
‘Love did not always wear the face one wished it would. Sometimes it looked down monstrous.’
‘Remember what you mean to me, thought Séverin, as he ignored Laila’s pleading and walked away from her, the weapon of her destruction tucked under his arm. Remember that I am your Majnun.’
I had love-hate relationship with Séverin this time. I love Laila and I wish her to be happy.
I fell in love more with Zofia, she’s so underrated and deserves so much love. :( Enrique... I *still* love his character the most.
Enrique and Zofia character development was the best thing in this book, as you can see their beautiful growth. ‹𝟹
Hypnos, I'M SORRY BUT sometimes I really get annoyed with him.
The book ends on a massive cliffhanger and chaotic, and I DESPERATELY need to know what happens next BUT——I AM NOT YET READY...
Graphic: Racism, Violence, and Grief
issed'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
4.25
- Phenomenal last 100 pages they got me HOOKED
- Wish we explored more of Zofia’s Jewish trauma
- Little slow at first but amazing after
Séverin went from basic but charismatic main character to frightening anti-hero - Really depressing and i was confused about the whole Tristan’s mental illness situation
Minor: Racism, Antisemitism, and Colonisation
hobbithopeful's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail and Blood
Moderate: Antisemitism, Colonisation, and Racism
Minor: Child abuse, Death, and Death of parent
jessicaludden'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
4.0
I continue to love this world, these characters, and Roshani’s writing. I loved getting to dive deeper into the magic and the backstories of these characters. Zofia really shined in this book. I love her so much and loved getting to see her build her confidence. I loved how intricate the heist/mystery of this book was. There were so many elaborate pieces that went into their search for The Divine Lyrics.
I do think it was a little slow at times and then suddenly picked up near the end, but I think it overall had a great build up even though it lagged a little bit in the middle. Now, I love these characters a lot, but man did some of them get on my nerves. Some of them being Séverin. I get it, he’s grieving and desperate to protect his loved ones, but jeez he was being so cold the whole book and hurting everyone (mostly Laila) in the process. I also expected so much more tension between Séverin and Laila and was left a little unsatisfied when that “tension” came to a breaking point. I did love getting more of Laila’s back story and learning more about her powers.
What I loved the most about this book was the overarching theme of powerlessness. It’s prevalent with every. single. character. Séverin’s desire to become a god to protect his loved ones, the expiration date on Laila’s life and the fact that she’s Forged, Zofia feeling like a burden for seeing the world differently than others, Enrique feeling like nobody sees him, and Hypnos feeling like an outsider within this group. I loved how feeling powerless motivated each character. It was also interesting to see each character’s perspective on love. This idea that love doesn’t always look the way you think it will. Overall, I love this series, I love these characters, and I loved the core ideas of this book in particular.
Minor: Death, Death of parent, Child death, Blood, Murder, Racism, Religious bigotry, and Child abuse
thebakerbookworm'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
4.0
This quote may not make sense out of context but it really got me at the end of this book... *cries*
This was a decent second book in this trilogy. It had a few slow parts but overall had me engaged and wanting to see what happens. I will say some of the plot still confused me and the world building didn't quite do what I'd hoped in this sequel, but I found myself forgiving all of that because these characters are just so good.
So yeah, I love the characters. We get four POVs again, each perfect. Each grieving in their own way. Each keeping secrets. Each showing their love for each other in different ways. I just want them all to be happy by the end of this trilogy, they deserve it!
Though I guessed the big *twist* at the end of this book, the ending was still a ride and had me reaching for book three immediately. (Thank you to my past self for getting the library book ahead of time!) Can't wait to see where it goes!
Graphic: Blood, Grief, and Violence
Moderate: Racism, Antisemitism, and Death
kaylamoran'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
Moderate: Blood and Grief
Minor: Alcohol, Antisemitism, Injury/Injury detail, Racism, and Death of parent
karambit'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
4.0
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Kidnapping, Racism, Blood, Death, Violence, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Gore, Alcohol, Confinement, Colonisation, Suicidal thoughts, Animal cruelty, Antisemitism, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Ableism, Child abuse, Hate crime, Domestic abuse, Miscarriage, Death of parent, Infertility, Cultural appropriation, and Self harm