ringofkeyz's Reviews (147)

we are more than the sum of our parts. we are more than what people write us off to be.

lighthearted and a little childish (in the best way), but touching all the same. reading this book felt like coming home at the end of a long day. 

"The weak and poor endure in the Hierarchy because the alternatives are harder, not because there are non. They know the system is wrong, but they choose not to think or speak up or act because they ultimately hope that in their silence, they will gain... If you do not hold them accountable, nothing will change. Don't mistake inaction for neutrality."

In the acknowledgements, the author describes the book as a "not a quite fantasy, not quite a historical fiction novel" and, though I'm sure she meant it jokingly, I find that it rings true.

This book never quite found it's tone, especially in relation to the fantasy genre. The political systems and climate aren't fleshed out enough for it to be considered a political fantasy and the magic system isn't explained enough for it to stand strongly, even as a low fantasy novel. Truthfully, the setting reads as though the author wanted to write a fantasy that's just straight up inspired by Ancient Egypt and just would let the chips fall where they may. 

And, while I understand this is meant to be the first book in the series, the novel ended so abruptly that it felt less like a planned cliffhanger and more like the author simply decided to stop telling the story. This was especially jarring since the first half of the book read like lacklustre build-up for a story arc that never came to pass.

I did enjoy Kareth's arc though, so 1.75 stars! 

if I'm giving a straight romance 4 stars, you KNOW it's good.

cute as hell and a female MC that actually has depth! you love to see it!

hOLY shit the third act... i'm still reeling

a quick read. a bit confusing at times, but with plenty of twists and turns to keep you invested in the story.

very graphic gore, but it's a story about the yakusa so you can't really expect anything less.

162 pages clearly outlining the damning reality of women in South Korea. The switch in perspective for the final chapter, and the ending itself, was the nail in the coffin.