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bellebookcorner's review
- 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
4.25
If you wanted to read something where Hunger Games meet The Selection then I highly recommend picking up this contemporary thriller!
Don’t forget to read the trigger warnings below cause there are some parts that may be sensitive to some readers.
The first few chapters felt slightly confusing and it feels like I’m starting a book from the middle part but eventually there will be an explanation as it goes deeper.
Things started to get a lot more interesting once Adina (the FMC) enter the competition and the other girls were introduced as well.
I really like Adina’s character cause she feels relatable. She’s not a perfect character cause she didn’t make the best decisions at the beginning. But after going through a couple trials and see the true meaning of the competition, she powers through and started to grow into a badass intelligent girl!
I also love the growing friendship Adina and Saint has and I was rooting for them in every trial, at least Adina has one ally she can trust in this barbaric game where loyalty is rare.
As for the romance, I wasn’t rooting Adina with any of the love interests to be honest.
One guy was a psychotic and a narcissists, the other one was just too meek even though he has a good heart. I admire Adina for keeping her head on the game without getting swayed easily.
Overall, this is a fantastic read with great writing style and well developed characters which also comes with a satisfying ending.
The author raises several important topics that occur in the real world and I love the way he conveys these topics really well throughout the story.
I’m really looking forward to read more books from this author in the future!
⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: Death, murder, violence, racism, cursing, drug use, confinement
Thank you to TBR and Beyond Tour, Netgalley, author and publisher for giving me an e-ARC of the book and for having me on this book tour. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!
Graphic: Murder, Violence, and Death
Moderate: Racism, Gun violence, and Confinement
Minor: Alcohol, Drug use, and Cursing
ktdakotareads's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Confinement, Violence, Blood, Body horror, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Child death, Death, Death of parent, Racism, Classism, and Torture
foldingthepage_kayleigh's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
- Survival/competition shows like The Hunger Games and Alice in Borderland
- Plot-based storylines that keep you turning the pages to figure out what happens next
- Tackling systemic discrimination and entrenched privileges
Graphic: Blood, Bullying, Toxic friendship, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Sexism, Vomit, Death, Gore, Murder, Classism, Racism, and Violence
Moderate: Animal death and Alcohol
Minor: Sexual content and Confinement
tbrplaylist's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Graphic: Confinement, Gore, Blood, Body horror, Toxic friendship, Violence, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Emotional abuse, and Gaslighting
betweentheshelves's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Racism
Moderate: Body horror, Gun violence, and Confinement
Minor: Alcohol, Cursing, and Drug use
natashaleighton_'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Classism, Death, Violence, Murder, Toxic friendship, Racism, Blood, and Cursing
Moderate: Grief, Toxic relationship, Confinement, Gaslighting, Gun violence, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Vomit
taryn_g's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Racism, Classism, Death, Murder, Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Gore, Confinement, Bullying, Misogyny, Vomit, and Gun violence
Minor: Drug use, Self harm, Emotional abuse, and Alcohol