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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
There are plenty of reviews on here that provide great summaries, and the synopsis also does a great job, so I'm going to skip past that and just jump into it!
Pros:
-Sampson, like just love Sampson, I wanted to see so much more of him!
-Loved the world building! This was a unique world with a unique sci-fi system, and I genuinely wanted to see what happened next with the corruption and battles!
-Absolutely love Sages relationship with her nieces. It felt so genuine and heart warming, and I simply loved that!
-The entire concept around the Cells was super cool and unique, and I genuinely loved it!
Cons:
-Sage's crush on the prince seemed super out of place and out of character from the start. I feel like I needed more back story! Like we all have crushes, but to use your work connections to get an invitation to his birthday party seemed a bit much and super fangirlie given her character type. I think I just needed more of a build-up!
-Never been a fan of insta-lust. In general, it felt like Sage's actions just didn't line up with her personality. She would have these super fierce moments and then just completely swing in the opposite direction. It made it hard to really follow her intentions. She seemed almost manic in her inability to maintain her character type so dramatically.
-This might seem odd of me and it's probably a personal thing on my side but there were a few instances where it felt like the authors personal views came across in a not so great way through her main character. First, call someone a snowflake and then making reference to God when there had been zero mention of any other kind of diety other than the squids in the whole book. It just felt odd and personally a bit off-putting.
Regardless of all this, I am still looking forward to the second book and seeing how the author develops the story.
Thank you, Astrid Cole, for this e-copy in
exchange for an honest review!
2.5!
Pros:
-Sampson, like just love Sampson, I wanted to see so much more of him!
-Loved the world building! This was a unique world with a unique sci-fi system, and I genuinely wanted to see what happened next with the corruption and battles!
-Absolutely love Sages relationship with her nieces. It felt so genuine and heart warming, and I simply loved that!
-The entire concept around the Cells was super cool and unique, and I genuinely loved it!
Cons:
-Sage's crush on the prince seemed super out of place and out of character from the start. I feel like I needed more back story! Like we all have crushes, but to use your work connections to get an invitation to his birthday party seemed a bit much and super fangirlie given her character type. I think I just needed more of a build-up!
-Never been a fan of insta-lust. In general, it felt like Sage's actions just didn't line up with her personality. She would have these super fierce moments and then just completely swing in the opposite direction. It made it hard to really follow her intentions. She seemed almost manic in her inability to maintain her character type so dramatically.
-This might seem odd of me and it's probably a personal thing on my side but there were a few instances where it felt like the authors personal views came across in a not so great way through her main character. First, call someone a snowflake and then making reference to God when there had been zero mention of any other kind of diety other than the squids in the whole book. It just felt odd and personally a bit off-putting.
Regardless of all this, I am still looking forward to the second book and seeing how the author develops the story.
Thank you, Astrid Cole, for this e-copy in
exchange for an honest review!
2.5!
Firstly, thank you to the author for the e-book.
I had a feeling from the first few sentences that I wasn't gonna vibe with this book. First sentence of the book goes "Sage wanted to marry Louis Kilstrong, the most handsome man in Diamond city."
...ick
Aside from that lame first sentence it felt like I got dropped into the middle of a book and no matter how hard I tried I couldn’t figure out what was going on. And because of that it wasn’t compelling enough to keep going.
With a chaotic story, immature protagonists, and desperate romance, it didn’t deliver the dystopian fantasy I hoped for. The potential was there, but it needed more rewrites and plot mapping. It felt like a puzzle with missing and extra pieces, making it hard to form emotional connections with the characters. While some might enjoy it, this book wasn’t for me.
Sadly, it was a DNF at about 20% for me.
I had a feeling from the first few sentences that I wasn't gonna vibe with this book. First sentence of the book goes "Sage wanted to marry Louis Kilstrong, the most handsome man in Diamond city."
...ick
Aside from that lame first sentence it felt like I got dropped into the middle of a book and no matter how hard I tried I couldn’t figure out what was going on. And because of that it wasn’t compelling enough to keep going.
With a chaotic story, immature protagonists, and desperate romance, it didn’t deliver the dystopian fantasy I hoped for. The potential was there, but it needed more rewrites and plot mapping. It felt like a puzzle with missing and extra pieces, making it hard to form emotional connections with the characters. While some might enjoy it, this book wasn’t for me.
Sadly, it was a DNF at about 20% for me.
3.5/5 RATING
2/5 SPICE RATING
Diamond City is made up of humans and “Enhanced”, who have genetically enhanced cells from an ancient race of warriors. Our main character, Sage, fought in the war that eventually united all of the districts that make up her beloved city over 100 years ago. And the bitch still looks like she’s 18?! Where there’s a futuristic society forged from bitter war, there’s always a corrupt government waiting to see how long they can get away with doing shady shit. Sage somehow gets tangled up in the very messy politics of the Diamond City elite. When the rebels, overseen by the Warlord, start stirring things up, Sage is lowkey blackmailed into spying on them. Sage has literally zero interest in any of this, but guys:
They threatened her pizza shop.
From there, we discover dark secrets, uncover corruption, fight epic battles, endure some heartbreak and…why is the Warlord so frickin flirtyyyyy?
This was a fast-paced action-packed sci-fi with a little bit of spice sprinkled in. It is on the longer side and it can be hard to follow along with the plot since it jumps from one thing to the next so fast. I also really wished the enemies to lovers trope was a bit more drawn out. That way the two characters could really have a chance to let their love blossom naturally. It felt a little rushed in my opinion.
There is a second book coming out soon called Emerald City which I am eagerly awaiting. The author is a literal sweetheart. I met her by accident while I was out book-shopping one night and now I have a personalized book & new author bestie.
2/5 SPICE RATING
Diamond City is made up of humans and “Enhanced”, who have genetically enhanced cells from an ancient race of warriors. Our main character, Sage, fought in the war that eventually united all of the districts that make up her beloved city over 100 years ago. And the bitch still looks like she’s 18?! Where there’s a futuristic society forged from bitter war, there’s always a corrupt government waiting to see how long they can get away with doing shady shit. Sage somehow gets tangled up in the very messy politics of the Diamond City elite. When the rebels, overseen by the Warlord, start stirring things up, Sage is lowkey blackmailed into spying on them. Sage has literally zero interest in any of this, but guys:
They threatened her pizza shop.
From there, we discover dark secrets, uncover corruption, fight epic battles, endure some heartbreak and…why is the Warlord so frickin flirtyyyyy?
This was a fast-paced action-packed sci-fi with a little bit of spice sprinkled in. It is on the longer side and it can be hard to follow along with the plot since it jumps from one thing to the next so fast. I also really wished the enemies to lovers trope was a bit more drawn out. That way the two characters could really have a chance to let their love blossom naturally. It felt a little rushed in my opinion.
There is a second book coming out soon called Emerald City which I am eagerly awaiting. The author is a literal sweetheart. I met her by accident while I was out book-shopping one night and now I have a personalized book & new author bestie.
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Prepare to embark on an electrifying adventure through the pages of Diamond City, a sensational Sci-fi novel penned by the remarkable Astrid Cole. Get ready to be swept away by a captivating blend of thrilling romance, monstrous creatures that defy imagination, and a fierce protagonist named Sage who fearlessly faces any challenge that comes her way. In her valiant quest to protect her beloved city, Sage unexpectedly encounters Damian, a complex character with a toxic aura. Despite his flaws, Damian manages to weave himself into Sage's heart, leaving her no choice but to love him. Initially, I found myself struggling to fully immerse in the story due to its slower pace, but as the plot unfolded, I was completely drawn in, ultimately discovering a truly exceptional read that has left me eagerly anticipating the next installment. Brace yourself for an epic journey that will leave you craving for more!
challenging
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I'm the type of person that likes to go into a book blind. I knew that this one had some good ratings, and I had seen it all over bookstagram, so I wanted to give it a chance. PLUS the cover!!!! It’s gorgeous.
I was immediately intrigued by our main character Sage, who is an elite warrior, enhanced by cells that allow a person to live forever.. essentially. Sounds so cool right?? I love this premise. She had a big part in a war decades before, and just wanted to live her life in peace making pizza in her pizza shop. But the state of Diamond City goes downhill fast, and she needs to step in to help. She ends up meeting Damian along the way who is an exiled Warlord. He isn't your stereotypical male, that's for sure, and I think that bothered me a little bit. I wasn't as invested in his character. I found him a tad insufferable throughout the book actually... but I enjoyed the plot for what it was.
The action didn't stop in this book. I was a bit confused sometimes as it went from one thing to another, but it all made sense as I kept going. I also took into account, that this is Astrids debut, and it is a promising start!
Altogether, it was a good entertaining read, and I am looking forward to seeing what the next novel has in store!
I was immediately intrigued by our main character Sage, who is an elite warrior, enhanced by cells that allow a person to live forever.. essentially. Sounds so cool right?? I love this premise. She had a big part in a war decades before, and just wanted to live her life in peace making pizza in her pizza shop. But the state of Diamond City goes downhill fast, and she needs to step in to help. She ends up meeting Damian along the way who is an exiled Warlord. He isn't your stereotypical male, that's for sure, and I think that bothered me a little bit. I wasn't as invested in his character. I found him a tad insufferable throughout the book actually... but I enjoyed the plot for what it was.
The action didn't stop in this book. I was a bit confused sometimes as it went from one thing to another, but it all made sense as I kept going. I also took into account, that this is Astrids debut, and it is a promising start!
Altogether, it was a good entertaining read, and I am looking forward to seeing what the next novel has in store!
So I’m going to be upfront. I am not the biggest Sci-Fi fan. But this girl will read anything. Especially if it’s from an indie author, who has their book on KU. Boy, am I glad I did. I really enjoyed it!
This is a sci-fi/dystopian novel. The world-building was so good! The author created a unique story, that was unlike anything I’ve ever read previously. There are monsters and spice, and a whole lot of pizza.
The MMC was among one of the most diverse and unusual characters I’ve encountered. I won't claim I loved him, because I'm still on the fence about him
This is a sci-fi/dystopian novel. The world-building was so good! The author created a unique story, that was unlike anything I’ve ever read previously. There are monsters and spice, and a whole lot of pizza.
The MMC was among one of the most diverse and unusual characters I’ve encountered. I won't claim I loved him, because I'm still on the fence about him
adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Diamond City is a thoughtfully developed sci-fi romantasy novel. Astrid Cole has clearly put in a lot of thought, energy, and dedication to developing a captivating world with a dystopian feel. From world building to character development to interesting plot points this was done remarkably well.
While I admit that there were some areas that had me confused at times, as there was a lot going on, I am not sure I would have wanted it any other way. This almost left me feeling like I was in the middle of the chaos that many of the characters were facing. I was.
I think Diamond City has done a great job in being able to hold its own in the Sci-Fi genre. It has absolutely set the tone for what will come of the series, and I am definitely inclined to know what happens next!
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
I felt like the beginning of this book was kinda all over the place in terms of all the info it was trying to give you for world building, I think once you get to about 25-30% of the way through it all starts kind of clicking into place which can definitely be a lot of invested time to see if you’ll like something, I’m glad I read the whole thing the political conflict and the military system Astrid has created were really interesting! I definitely loved Sage I just want our girl to get the happily ever after she deserves 😭 I also doubt this is the last we’ve seen of certain people so I’m curious what chaos will ensue in book two for sure