Reader Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)
I have heard so many people go on and on about this book, and to be honest, because it was so popular, I was kind of uninterested in reading it. But good heavens, I am so glad I did. The plot, characters, tensions, tropes, and writing style all mesh together into one remarkable masterpiece of dark, morally grey beauty.
Language: 6.5/10 (Occasional swearing).
Sex: 6.5/10 (Allusions to sex and mentions of prostitution).
Violence and gore: 4/10 (Disturbing gore depicted).
Plot: 9/10 (This book caught me by surprise and had me hooked from the end of chapter one. This book definitely deserves a permanent place on my shelf).
Characters: 10/10 (Realistic, tragic, relatable, unique, vivid, multi-cultural, consistent—these characters felt like real-life people, which made the story that more captivating!)
Writing style: 10/10 (Not a single qualm about Bardugo’s writing style. I think she presents a mastery over language, imagery, and dialogue that is hard to come by.)
Genre: Young adult literature, new adult literature, fantasy
Potential triggers: Homelessness, death of loved ones, prostitution, murder, drug addiction, etc.
Is this book part of a series? Yes, a duology.
I would recommend this book to anyone 14+.
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