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sn03's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder, Torture, Injury/Injury detail, and Grief
havennnofjoyy's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
i adore the writing style of the author. it's beautiful yet emotional, adding well to the overall tone and theme of the story. it's a great book and a great end to the story of The Belles. however, i was a bit upset at the ending. i wish we could've seen more of the actual 'battle' between Sophia and her sister, how the kingdom initially reacted to the truth, etc. idk, just wish i could've gotten more out of the ending. overall, a great read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Animal death
coymeld's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Body shaming, Bullying, Eating disorder, Gaslighting, Medical content, Emotional abuse, Sexual violence, Slavery, Murder, War, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Misogyny, Classism, Grief, Lesbophobia, Fatphobia, Kidnapping, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Violence, Gore, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Medical trauma, Sexual harassment, and Torture
ashleereadsbooks692's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
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? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Torture, Suicide, Violence, Murder, Death, and Body shaming
allisonwonderlandreads's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
"Resistance comes in many forms and alliances take many shapes. Sometimes it'e all fire and storms, cutting off the heads of important people. Other times, it's slow, a crack forming in glass, inching forward sliver by sliver, spreading out across the entire surface."
This is a story of resistance-- of sometimes simmering, sometimes seething anger. After the events of The Belles left things in disarray, The Everlasting Rose picks up with an action-packed, on-the-run type situation. We get to explore more of the map as our outlaws crisscross the islands, trying to keep to the shadows, save the Belles, and save the kingdom from its evil queen. Plus, we get teacup dragons, which is an amazing idea in every way.
Dhonielle Clayton is a rockstar of figurative language, and her descriptions were just as tantalizing and immersive as in the first book. The message about the harm of society's beauty standards is also just as strong. In a departure from the first book, It was good to see Camille rise from victim to morally grey vengeance-seeker, even when her grittier role came to stress me out. At least she was no one's pawn.
My lingering concerns are thus: there was a second instalove plot here, and I've got to draw the line somewhere (preferably before the first, but oh, well). Also, the plot ends on a kind of traumatized note. I don't think I know how to process where things landed until I see it play out in a sequel. The story was wrapped up almost abruptly after the final showdown, and after a slew of reveals, losses, and furious acts of violence, I needed to reflect a bit more with the characters on what it all means. I hope that is forthcoming in future books.
This is a story of resistance-- of sometimes simmering, sometimes seething anger. After the events of The Belles left things in disarray, The Everlasting Rose picks up with an action-packed, on-the-run type situation. We get to explore more of the map as our outlaws crisscross the islands, trying to keep to the shadows, save the Belles, and save the kingdom from its evil queen. Plus, we get teacup dragons, which is an amazing idea in every way.
Dhonielle Clayton is a rockstar of figurative language, and her descriptions were just as tantalizing and immersive as in the first book. The message about the harm of society's beauty standards is also just as strong. In a departure from the first book, It was good to see Camille rise from victim to morally grey vengeance-seeker, even when her grittier role came to stress me out. At least she was no one's pawn.
My lingering concerns are thus: there was a second instalove plot here, and I've got to draw the line somewhere (preferably before the first, but oh, well). Also, the plot ends on a kind of traumatized note. I don't think I know how to process where things landed until I see it play out in a sequel. The story was wrapped up almost abruptly after the final showdown, and after a slew of reveals, losses, and furious acts of violence, I needed to reflect a bit more with the characters on what it all means. I hope that is forthcoming in future books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming and Violence
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Torture, Suicide, and Murder
jashanac's review
4.0
Re-read this and I'm going to leave the 4 star rating. This series (so far -- haven't read the third one just yet) isn't one of my all-time faves that I want to scream from the rooftops... but I REALLY enjoy it. I love Dhonielle Clayton's authorial voice and use of language. Especially in this world... it's so decadent. The world, and her turns of phrase.
This is also such a unique fantasy world. Beautiful and bright on the surface but deeply disturbed and rotten when you look closer.
I just don't LOVE the characters. I don't dislike them. I just don't feel notably engrossed with them. And in this book the plot was a bit meandering, I felt. A bit of "middle book syndrome", I suppose.
This is also such a unique fantasy world. Beautiful and bright on the surface but deeply disturbed and rotten when you look closer.
I just don't LOVE the characters. I don't dislike them. I just don't feel notably engrossed with them. And in this book the plot was a bit meandering, I felt. A bit of "middle book syndrome", I suppose.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Body horror, and Murder
Moderate: Confinement, Torture, and Kidnapping
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