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gattolino_nn's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Whilst I didn't like this book as much as the first one I still think it was good and eventually found it's foot towards the last half.
The lore and world building for this series is still very well done in my opinion. We keep learning more history and why certain things are the way they are in their current timeline compared to the past. I think a lot of the secondary characters really pulled the story along and kept it going since Isolde and Adrian were not a highlight this book. The plot of the book was also lackluster but did at least build to a hopefully a more interesting third book.
The real issue I had with this story was Isolde and Adrian and their relationship. It felt very toxic on both sides, a lot of their actions didn't feel like they matched their characters at all. The book bought up so many issues between them and then made waved it away with sex between them.In particular I felt that Isolde was abusive towards Adrian. She would yell and event hit him at times when she was angry at something Adrian did and never apologised for her actions whilst whenever Adrian was in the wrong he at least apologised eventually and in character. Adrian on the other hand doesn't feel like he understand that Isolde is not her past life at all despite what he says. It's not even a struggle that we really see play out and that he comes to terms with, this is a words don't match actions issue. I didn't feel like he loved Isolde at all but only what she was in the past and keeps comparing the two.
Event after everything I will still read the third book and see if any of the build up pays off and hopefully there are some much needed improvements.
The lore and world building for this series is still very well done in my opinion. We keep learning more history and why certain things are the way they are in their current timeline compared to the past. I think a lot of the secondary characters really pulled the story along and kept it going since Isolde and Adrian were not a highlight this book. The plot of the book was also lackluster but did at least build to a hopefully a more interesting third book.
The real issue I had with this story was Isolde and Adrian and their relationship. It felt very toxic on both sides, a lot of their actions didn't feel like they matched their characters at all. The book bought up so many issues between them and then made waved it away with sex between them.
Event after everything I will still read the third book and see if any of the build up pays off and hopefully there are some much needed improvements.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Religious bigotry and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Rape and Sexual assault
brichneyfloss's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Violence, Murder, and War
kbz_22's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
Queen of Myth and Monsters by Scarlett St. Clair is a book that left me with mixed feelings. While it had its moments, there were certain aspects of the story that hindered my overall enjoyment.
One of the main issues I encountered was the shallow and emotionally toxic nature of the relationship between the main characters. Their connection lacked depth, and their interactions often felt forced and contrived. This left me craving more substance and genuine emotion in their bond.
However, what intrigued me more were the plotlines of the minor characters. They provided a refreshing change of pace and added depth to the overall narrative. I found myself more invested in their stories, hoping for further exploration and development.
Towards the end of the book, the story does pick up and improve significantly. The pacing becomes more engaging, and the plot twists add an element of surprise. Despite this improvement, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed by the earlier sections of the book, where the main characters’ relationship dominated the narrative.
One of the main issues I encountered was the shallow and emotionally toxic nature of the relationship between the main characters. Their connection lacked depth, and their interactions often felt forced and contrived. This left me craving more substance and genuine emotion in their bond.
However, what intrigued me more were the plotlines of the minor characters. They provided a refreshing change of pace and added depth to the overall narrative. I found myself more invested in their stories, hoping for further exploration and development.
Towards the end of the book, the story does pick up and improve significantly. The pacing becomes more engaging, and the plot twists add an element of surprise. Despite this improvement, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed by the earlier sections of the book, where the main characters’ relationship dominated the narrative.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual content, Violence, and Blood
thestickwitch's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
For me this was more of a back story book that really got you connected with the characters and their traumas with some sprinkles of happy moments and spicy scenes. While also showcasing how the character navigate through the traumas even in times of strife. I will be waiting in anticipation for book 3.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Colonisation, War, and Pandemic/Epidemic
julienicole1106's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child death, Cursing, Death, Gore, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, War, and Injury/Injury detail
booksnsyringes's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Violence, and Blood
zimmerlemon's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
medium-paced
3.5
Not sure how to feel. I definitely liked the first book better. This one falls into a lot of the classic traps of fantasy sequels where there is just a LOT going on, a few too many twists and turns, a lot to keep up with…and it just loses its center a bit. I’ll definitely read the next book whenever it comes out because I’m attached enough to the characters that I’m really curious what will happen, but oof.
Also be warned this one is MUCH darker than the first. It’s honestly so dark that then the spice just feels like an intrusion/inconsistent with the rest of the plot and mood.
Also be warned this one is MUCH darker than the first. It’s honestly so dark that then the spice just feels like an intrusion/inconsistent with the rest of the plot and mood.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual violence
annejalinah_jackson's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Death, Domestic abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal death, Death, Infertility, Miscarriage, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
yilliun's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
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? Yes
3.75
The story and world building got much better in this book. I was more invested in Isolde/ Yesenia’s past. The characters felt much more fleshed out and less two dimensional than in the previous novel. I especially felt that Isolde had much more personality and agency in this book. The fighting then fucking cycle did become annoying especially since that’s carried over from the previous book.
That being said, I feel like some plot points were fairly predictable and easily guessed even Sorin’s betrayal before I read the chapter where it was confirmed. Adrian aside, he seemed the most revolted by what he and his friends had become. However, I absolutely could not have guessed how Ana “betrayed” Isolde and Adrian. I did find it hard to believe that Ana killed Isla (despite it being unintentional, I think).
I don’t buy into the whole for the greater good thing, especially with Violeta’s death. Killian saying goodbye to her had me tearing up. And Isolde’s conversation with her mother about has me sobbing
That being said, I feel like some plot points were fairly predictable and easily guessed
I don’t buy into the whole for the greater good thing, especially with Violeta’s death. Killian saying goodbye to her had me tearing up. And Isolde’s conversation with her mother about has me sobbing
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Sexual assault, Grief, Death of parent, and War
Minor: Pregnancy
The book has a page for content warnings in the front.lisashelves's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail