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4.57 AVERAGE
4.57 AVERAGE
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Not my favorite main character. He was ostensibly an underdog but mastered every challenge apparently better than everyone else at the academy very quickly. I enjoyed the Ancient Rome-like setting and the premise of literal hierarchical power.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
adventurous
dark
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
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:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Fun, if a bit trope-y! Excited for the second book.
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
I'm so happy I kept putting off reading this book b/c the second book is coming out this year and I WON'T HAVE TO WAIT AS LONG :'))
I actually didn't know anything about this book when I started reading it, other than the fact it was regarded as an adult fantasy. As I got into the story, I found that it was akin to a lot of YA fantasy that I was (still am) OBSESSED with when I was younger—though, more complex, darker, and more graphic—, so it gave me a hit of nostalgia that made it a more enjoyable read. I'm also just a sucker for an academy trope :P
The book is broken into three parts, with the first part being the slowest. Islington takes his time following our main character, Vis, introducing relevant snippets of his past whenever necessary and showing the foundation for his successes later down the line. The world-building was a bit tedious during here, as we're slowly given bits and pieces that we need to connect in our heads, but I learned enough about the character and the magic system pretty early on to keep me intrigued enough to continue—and I was also stoked for the academy arc (lol). It became easier to follow once I was more familiar with the terminology and the other important stuff.
Other than the initial slow-pacing, I was HOOKED for the rest of the book. The "leveling-up" trope is one of my favorites in when it comes to books and shows, so I had fun following Vis during his journey to the top class in the academy. He does have all the classic hallmarks of a "Chosen One" and always ends up being better than everyone at everything (with training), but I honestly didn't really mind it that much. It was noticeable, but there was enough other stuff going on that it didn’t become annoying, even if it was predictable. Also, great world-building IMHO!
I thought that Islington did a great job at creating tension around the obvious injustices of the hierarchal structure while also humanizing its participants. We're encouraged to think about all the moving pieces within the system, including the oppressed, and how they work together to maintain the rule of the Hierarchy. Who is truly guilty? Who deserves our sympathy? Who actually has power to make a change? How do you decide when the ends justify the means? Of course, the concept of challenging oppressive entities is not uncommon, but I enjoyed how Islington built up the conflict.
I also appreciated seeing more of Vis's internal struggles as he builds new friendships within the academy. The school is literally a pipeline into elitist positions of power—the very thing that he despises—, and yet we watch as he allows himself to get comfortable (in small amounts). It's real, it's human, and it adds to the tension.
Don't even get me started on the plot twist at the end... I had to reread it a few times to process. All I'll say is that it's a great set-up for the second book and I am dying to get my hands on it when it comes out.
I actually didn't know anything about this book when I started reading it, other than the fact it was regarded as an adult fantasy. As I got into the story, I found that it was akin to a lot of YA fantasy that I was (still am) OBSESSED with when I was younger—though, more complex, darker, and more graphic—, so it gave me a hit of nostalgia that made it a more enjoyable read. I'm also just a sucker for an academy trope :P
The book is broken into three parts, with the first part being the slowest. Islington takes his time following our main character, Vis, introducing relevant snippets of his past whenever necessary and showing the foundation for his successes later down the line. The world-building was a bit tedious during here, as we're slowly given bits and pieces that we need to connect in our heads, but I learned enough about the character and the magic system pretty early on to keep me intrigued enough to continue—and I was also stoked for the academy arc (lol). It became easier to follow once I was more familiar with the terminology and the other important stuff.
Other than the initial slow-pacing, I was HOOKED for the rest of the book. The "leveling-up" trope is one of my favorites in when it comes to books and shows, so I had fun following Vis during his journey to the top class in the academy. He does have all the classic hallmarks of a "Chosen One" and always ends up being better than everyone at everything (with training), but I honestly didn't really mind it that much. It was noticeable, but there was enough other stuff going on that it didn’t become annoying, even if it was predictable. Also, great world-building IMHO!
I thought that Islington did a great job at creating tension around the obvious injustices of the hierarchal structure while also humanizing its participants. We're encouraged to think about all the moving pieces within the system, including the oppressed, and how they work together to maintain the rule of the Hierarchy. Who is truly guilty? Who deserves our sympathy? Who actually has power to make a change? How do you decide when the ends justify the means? Of course, the concept of challenging oppressive entities is not uncommon, but I enjoyed how Islington built up the conflict.
I also appreciated seeing more of Vis's internal struggles as he builds new friendships within the academy. The school is literally a pipeline into elitist positions of power—the very thing that he despises—, and yet we watch as he allows himself to get comfortable (in small amounts). It's real, it's human, and it adds to the tension.
Don't even get me started on the plot twist at the end... I had to reread it a few times to process. All I'll say is that it's a great set-up for the second book and I am dying to get my hands on it when it comes out.
Slow start but incredible pacing in the second half. Could not put it down by the end! Can’t wait for the sequel!