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vaniavela's review
adventurous
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? Yes
4.75
This is your South African urban fantasy filled with prophecies, generational curses and angry girls.
Seventeen-year-old Savannah is cursed: a blood curse that has haunted her family for centuries. But Savannah doesn't plan to die like the countless women before her; instead, she plans to break the curse, and sets out on a journey that takes her into a world of secrets and hidden magic.
This is the first book I've read by this author, but it is absolutely magnificent. Mary Watson blends a magical story with the history of slavery in South Africa, while navigating the themes of generational trauma, anger, and sexism in the narrative.
It is a fast-paced, fascinating and captivating book. The world building is also incredible. The characters are complex, full of personality and secrets; they have anger and flaws, making them human and believable.
There were some twists at the end that I really wasn't expecting. When the identity of the antagonist was revealed, I was gobsmacked. It wasn't what I expected, but now it all makes sense.
That said, I didn't like the romance. I didn't feel that tension that I love so much between them. It didn't really add to the story, and I would have been even happier without it.
I would recommend this book, overall I really liked it.
TW:
Graphic: Violence, Domestic abuse, Murder
Moderate: Confinement, Racism, Sexual content
Minor: Death, Physical abuse, Sexual assault
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Domestic abuse, and Murder
Moderate: Confinement, Racism, and Sexual content
Minor: Death, Physical abuse, and Sexual assault
cereads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation, Domestic abuse, Violence, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Sexism, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Sexual content, Racism, Stalking, and Confinement
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