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unknownbooks23's review
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
- 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? It's complicated
4.5
franklyfrank's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
3.0
lgrant2003's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
projectmarley's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
bree_h_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- 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
3.5
This was a pretty solid read, which was a nice surprise considering I wasn’t sure what to expect from the book.
The characters felt really well rounded. The MC actually read as a teen thrown into a situation she didn’t know how to handle, but that did lead to moments that I was extremely frustrated with the MC because she came across as incredibly stupid. The rest of the cast I found considerably more enjoyable and she we had gotten more of. I also really liked the character dynamics, both posters and negative. Each character played off each other in a unique and interesting way that I really enjoyed.
The mystery of the book was also really solid. A lot of the conclusions the MC came to I also suspected and pieced together, even if getting there felt a bit rushed at times.
My only issue was the world building. There were a lot of details that felt conflicting with what had been established and what we were seeing on page. And a lot of what was established didn’t make a lot of sense to me. Why was the MCs family so violent and prone to killing each other? What sense did that make? Why was the issue of following the MC was that people believed she killed her family when every leader before her had? I just didn’t feel like it was super consistent at times, despite how interesting most of it was.
Overall pretty solid sapphic fantasy read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, Toxic relationship, and Suicide
Moderate: Infidelity, Medical content, Body horror, Physical abuse, War, Classism, Child abuse, Alcohol, and Death of parent
Minor: Child death, Incest, Misogyny, Pandemic/Epidemic, and Sexism
sasspotatoes's review
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
ans_does's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
amybraunauthor's review
4.0
This book was way darker than I expected, but it certainly added to the atmosphere and tone of the book. The world and characters carried the mood from here on out, and it perfectly fit this dark, treacherous story.
For the most part, I really, truly enjoyed the world. The paranormal element really enthralled me and I wished I could see more of it. It's been a while since I read an underwater realm like the on featured in this cold world.
The characters are complex and aside from Inkar, certainly not anyone I would consider to be "good." Ekata had a sour streak to her, but I never really felt like she was difficult to relate to or understand. I questioned her choices and logic and manners at some points, but I did enjoy her journey. I also wanted to see more of Inkar, who was an absolute treasure.
Most of the story elements focused on the political drama, espionage, betrayal, and intrigue. I expected a little more from the trials, but there were some intense moments. The romance didn't have as much depth as I hoped, but the personalities involved made for a realistic romance.
All in all, I don't know if this was quite for me, but it was well written and would easily enthral a reader who likes political drama, a dark atmosphere, and a great lesbian romance.
For the most part, I really, truly enjoyed the world. The paranormal element really enthralled me and I wished I could see more of it. It's been a while since I read an underwater realm like the on featured in this cold world.
The characters are complex and aside from Inkar, certainly not anyone I would consider to be "good." Ekata had a sour streak to her, but I never really felt like she was difficult to relate to or understand. I questioned her choices and logic and manners at some points, but I did enjoy her journey. I also wanted to see more of Inkar, who was an absolute treasure.
Most of the story elements focused on the political drama, espionage, betrayal, and intrigue. I expected a little more from the trials, but there were some intense moments. The romance didn't have as much depth as I hoped, but the personalities involved made for a realistic romance.
All in all, I don't know if this was quite for me, but it was well written and would easily enthral a reader who likes political drama, a dark atmosphere, and a great lesbian romance.