Michaella Lockhart
3.5
I enjoyed the portrayal of the relationship between Madeline, Audrey and Victor. I really liked how their sexual organs were not explicitly named, which re-affirms the idea that gender is not defined by this but it is discovered (as it should be). The writing and descriptions were excellent, but I felt like a little more background and of the characters and pacing could've helped this book a lot. Also, I would've liked a scene where all three of them were participating (just a personal pref.) Overall, this was a really good read!
4.5 rounded up
What a powerful story! Erica and India's situation really emphasized for me the prevalence of medical racism America and how it still exists today. Civil, their nurse, is a persistent and caring woman who loves these girls as her own and ultimately fights for justice because she was a part of the problem. I loved how the nuances of the situation were handled (the intersectionality of race, gender and class in the American medical field) and how there were many perspectives to this story, from the victims themselves to their families and even the medical professionals who knowingly and unknowingly were apart of the situation. This was a really really great and important historical fiction that I would recommend to anyone. Definitely a new favorite!
4.5 rounded up
This was excellent! I loved everything from the immersive writing and world-building to the depth of the characters. It was empowering to see Cassia's progression of a demure bastard princess to a strategic and cunning rebel of the crown. Lio's ability to not only guide but assist her in this was amazing. I can't wait to read book 2!!
2.5 rounded down
I just did not vibe with this y'all....
The descriptions were lush and beautifully written but it took up a great majority of the book. I can tell you the exact arrangement of Lisavet's room but I couldn't tell you her depth as a character. Also the ‘romance' was not it for me because it moved way too fast and Marion switched up so quickly. Also, she was just a really selfish character and the whole ‘chosen one' trope was not it for me. I just thought that something was missing (maybe some plot and character development) but I read till the end to see if it got better, but sadly, I was disappointed.
