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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
Rate : ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Once upon a time, a beautiful warrior, Sage, had a dream to meet her soulmate Louise, the Prince of Diamond City. She is done slaying people’s throats for the sake of peace. It is time for her to gain her own happiness. But she never expected her nephew to just sell her, to become a guillotine for the royal family, to kill anyone who opposes them, then to be thrown down when she was not used to them anymore.
Sci-Fi with deep and heavy political conflicts with unique world-building system. The politics itself are very deep and complex. There are so many conspiracy theories that are going on and could happen in the story. During the conflicts that happened alongside with war and assassinations, the suspense and tension felt very strong and almost couldn’t make me breathe. Also, don’t forget about the propaganda, which is shown with the strong behavior and action of the characters.
Because of this, I think this book could add “High Sci-Fi” and “High Dystopia” as the label for the book genre to help the reader be prepared for what they will understand when they read the story.
Which means, this book is not for anyone who is the first time reading a Sci-Fi or Dystopia story. This book is one of the most complex Sci-Fi and Dystopia books that I have ever read.
There are so many unexpected plot twists, and I did not expect that there was also an undercover hero or villain too! So many speculations here. After I thought about it carefully, there was also a little bit of explaining war strategy. It almost took me back to the fantasy book genre hahaha and don't worry, it is still properly shown and still can at an enjoyable level.
Sage, as FMC, was a fairytale dreamer in a warrior’s body and mentality. From a princess to becoming a future queen. She is just badass, her attitude, personality and especially when she does combat fighting. She is like Athena, The Goddess of War of the Diamond City. I love her adventure story, and now she is one of my favorite FMC.
The combat fighting is shown very precisely and detailed in the story. It shows that the author really researched the characters' movements, weapons used and even technology deeply. I can imagine it as watching a movie.
But there is something that is a little bit bothering me. It is that there is a character who has just vanished in the middle of the story in whose scenes are suspense and there is very strong tension and then, so suddenly, the character just pops up like a Fairy Godmother using her magic wand and voilà Cinderella’s shoes appear! To be honest, I laugh so hard when that character shows so suddenly because I remember that movie scene. I hope there is an actual explanation, just a little bit is okay, for where the character go when there is so life-threatening event like that.
I truly enjoy the story even though draining my emotions for a little bit, I can’t wait to continue reading Sage’s next journey! May the Lolligo Bless Us!
Once upon a time, a beautiful warrior, Sage, had a dream to meet her soulmate Louise, the Prince of Diamond City. She is done slaying people’s throats for the sake of peace. It is time for her to gain her own happiness. But she never expected her nephew to just sell her, to become a guillotine for the royal family, to kill anyone who opposes them, then to be thrown down when she was not used to them anymore.
Sci-Fi with deep and heavy political conflicts with unique world-building system. The politics itself are very deep and complex. There are so many conspiracy theories that are going on and could happen in the story. During the conflicts that happened alongside with war and assassinations, the suspense and tension felt very strong and almost couldn’t make me breathe. Also, don’t forget about the propaganda, which is shown with the strong behavior and action of the characters.
Because of this, I think this book could add “High Sci-Fi” and “High Dystopia” as the label for the book genre to help the reader be prepared for what they will understand when they read the story.
Which means, this book is not for anyone who is the first time reading a Sci-Fi or Dystopia story. This book is one of the most complex Sci-Fi and Dystopia books that I have ever read.
There are so many unexpected plot twists, and I did not expect that there was also an undercover hero or villain too! So many speculations here. After I thought about it carefully, there was also a little bit of explaining war strategy. It almost took me back to the fantasy book genre hahaha and don't worry, it is still properly shown and still can at an enjoyable level.
Sage, as FMC, was a fairytale dreamer in a warrior’s body and mentality. From a princess to becoming a future queen. She is just badass, her attitude, personality and especially when she does combat fighting. She is like Athena, The Goddess of War of the Diamond City. I love her adventure story, and now she is one of my favorite FMC.
The combat fighting is shown very precisely and detailed in the story. It shows that the author really researched the characters' movements, weapons used and even technology deeply. I can imagine it as watching a movie.
But there is something that is a little bit bothering me. It is that there is a character who has just vanished in the middle of the story in whose scenes are suspense and there is very strong tension and then, so suddenly, the character just pops up like a Fairy Godmother using her magic wand and voilà Cinderella’s shoes appear! To be honest, I laugh so hard when that character shows so suddenly because I remember that movie scene. I hope there is an actual explanation, just a little bit is okay, for where the character go when there is so life-threatening event like that.
I truly enjoy the story even though draining my emotions for a little bit, I can’t wait to continue reading Sage’s next journey! May the Lolligo Bless Us!
adventurous
challenging
dark
Diamond City by Astrid Cole is book one in the Diamond City series and I’m so ready for book two. If you like sci-fi, dystopian, dysfunctions family, fantasy, enemies to lovers, strong FMC, political intrigue, multiple POV’s, supernatural, battles, and pizza then you will love this book.
Astrid did a fantastic job with this book. The storyline, plot, and world building were done very well. The characters whether you liked them or hated them were so well written. Sage is my spirit animal! Sage is a badass warrior who is over 100 yrs old. All Sage really wants to do is live her life and open a pizzeria but life has other plans for her. She’s fallen for Damien and he has become obsessed with her. Sage is a trying to negotiate peace deal between the rebels and the leaders of Diamond city. I love the banter between all of these characters. I don’t think there is a dull moment in the book there’s so much chaos, political intrigue, loyalties that are ever changing, twists and turns you will not want to put this book down. My only complaint is that I was not a fan of the narrator IMO her voice just did not do this book justice!! Other than that I enjoyed this Audible and can’t wait for book 2.
Astrid did a fantastic job with this book. The storyline, plot, and world building were done very well. The characters whether you liked them or hated them were so well written. Sage is my spirit animal! Sage is a badass warrior who is over 100 yrs old. All Sage really wants to do is live her life and open a pizzeria but life has other plans for her. She’s fallen for Damien and he has become obsessed with her. Sage is a trying to negotiate peace deal between the rebels and the leaders of Diamond city. I love the banter between all of these characters. I don’t think there is a dull moment in the book there’s so much chaos, political intrigue, loyalties that are ever changing, twists and turns you will not want to put this book down. My only complaint is that I was not a fan of the narrator IMO her voice just did not do this book justice!! Other than that I enjoyed this Audible and can’t wait for book 2.
This series has become my sci fi Saturday reads and I cannot wait to see where Sage ends up next!
We follow Sage through the many trials and tribulations of being a hybrid warrior. She has fought many wars and it seems it’s only continuing to be war and more war. She fought for unification and peace so why can’t she have that and run her little pizzeria?
She has Samsen her Lolligo friend, her nephew Bram and her nieces…. Why can’t peace happen?
(Btw while everyone is fighting over pineapples on pizza? Maybe you should take aim at a more serious problem- the Hippo pizza has bananas on it!)
Sage wants nothing more than… peace. But the council and Allseer want her under their control because she is - everything- no spoilers here! Instead she ends up involved in another rebellion- and falling for the Warlord.
All I can say is there is everything in this book! From Sage threatening the warlord to make his testicles into surprise grenades and the amount of glorious moments between the two? Poor Prince Loser never stood a chance!
Peace never lasts where will book 2 take Sage?
We follow Sage through the many trials and tribulations of being a hybrid warrior. She has fought many wars and it seems it’s only continuing to be war and more war. She fought for unification and peace so why can’t she have that and run her little pizzeria?
She has Samsen her Lolligo friend, her nephew Bram and her nieces…. Why can’t peace happen?
(Btw while everyone is fighting over pineapples on pizza? Maybe you should take aim at a more serious problem- the Hippo pizza has bananas on it!)
Sage wants nothing more than… peace. But the council and Allseer want her under their control because she is - everything- no spoilers here! Instead she ends up involved in another rebellion- and falling for the Warlord.
All I can say is there is everything in this book! From Sage threatening the warlord to make his testicles into surprise grenades and the amount of glorious moments between the two? Poor Prince Loser never stood a chance!
Peace never lasts where will book 2 take Sage?
First book of The Diamond City series and it did not disappoint. I finished reading it yesterday and I'm glad that as part of the ARC team I will be able to keep reading the next books of this action-packed sci-fi story. Can't wait to keep reading to know what else will happen with the characters.
I really liked the badass FMC, although sometimes she confused me with all her thoughts and opposite actions. But, don't we all have that fight between heart and mind once in a while? The MMC was so different from the usual male characters I read and it was really refreshing. The story was so interesting and there was a lot of world building, but sometimes I got lost with so much information and it overwhelmed me. Nonetheless, this is a fast paced book, full of action, romance and twists with a great plot that will leave you gasping.
Love, understanding, grief, betrayals, addiction, evolution of characters and so much more that makes this story so addictive.
I received an advanced review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Astrid Cole for the opportunity!
I really liked the badass FMC, although sometimes she confused me with all her thoughts and opposite actions. But, don't we all have that fight between heart and mind once in a while? The MMC was so different from the usual male characters I read and it was really refreshing. The story was so interesting and there was a lot of world building, but sometimes I got lost with so much information and it overwhelmed me. Nonetheless, this is a fast paced book, full of action, romance and twists with a great plot that will leave you gasping.
Love, understanding, grief, betrayals, addiction, evolution of characters and so much more that makes this story so addictive.
I received an advanced review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Astrid Cole for the opportunity!
I enjoyed this book. It’s a great first novel, I couldn’t put it down it kept me hooked. It was a bit hard to keep up at first but overall a good read
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Really did enjoy this sci-fy story. I did however do the audible and the narrator was absolutely horrendous. It really should be re done to give the book the credit is deserves.
adventurous
fast-paced
3.5 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
This is the first book in the Diamond City series, which is a Sci-Fi/dystopian Romantasy and what a ride it is! I was fascinated by the premise of this book, following Sage who is a super strong FMC, pizza-loving, retired warrior with a mysterious secret, who is blackmailed by the Royal Family into bringing down their enemy/ Warlord. However things aren’t as they seem on the surface and we follow Sage on her journey through political intrigue and sparring regions with many twists and turns you don’t expect.
Honestly, it took me a little while to get into properly as I found some of the writing a little confusing and difficult to follow at times. Sometimes there were quick shifts in time or place without much explanation, which had me reverting back to previous pages to see if I missed things or interpreted things incorrectly?
However, for a first novel I think it’s great! Astrid has created a really interesting and unique world to explore. The world building is second to none, with lots of cleverly thought out names and history within each region and character origins/traits. I really felt I was there in this world along with Sage.
Sage is a powerful woman who absolutely kicks as$ and doesn’t take any sh*t from anyone especially when it comes to her unflappable moral integrity, but she also has a big heart and a vulnerability to her too.
Damian, I’m on the fence with. At times he’s likeable, and it’s difficult not to feel empathy for him for his past traumas, but then there’s that dark side to him that give me red flags. He can be quite arrogant, and is very sexually driven to the point of almost being pushy or coercive which at times made me feel a little uncomfortable. However, I have a feeling this is all part of his character development, and how we as readers are meant to feel confused and weary along with Sage? He’s morally grey for sure and I imagine we’ll learn a lot more about him in the rest of the series. I really liked how he wasn’t afraid to show his feminine side, or push gender norms out the window. I also appreciated the LGBTQ+ representation within this book with characters such as Damian, who is an androgynous bisexual man but also Gertrude, who is Trans.
Another stand out character who has to be mentioned is SAMSON! He’s a Lolligo (Humanoid Squid), which is a unique species at the very core of this world and its original lore. Samson, roommate to Sage and mainly in hiding, is such a admirable character you can’t help but love despite his blunt bad temper. He’s protective, strong, and wise and I just know there’s so much more to come from him - which I cannot wait to find out! In fact, his story is what had me hooked towards the end!
Amongst the story there is also a lot of fast paced action, though I did personally think this could have been a little more descriptive in parts. I thought the spice was well written and found the open dialogue between Sage and Damian during these scenes to be a refreshing take on things.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and am invested into continuing with the rest of series.
A special thanks to Astrid for allowing me to be part of the reviewing team process.
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
This is the first book in the Diamond City series, which is a Sci-Fi/dystopian Romantasy and what a ride it is! I was fascinated by the premise of this book, following Sage who is a super strong FMC, pizza-loving, retired warrior with a mysterious secret, who is blackmailed by the Royal Family into bringing down their enemy/ Warlord. However things aren’t as they seem on the surface and we follow Sage on her journey through political intrigue and sparring regions with many twists and turns you don’t expect.
Honestly, it took me a little while to get into properly as I found some of the writing a little confusing and difficult to follow at times. Sometimes there were quick shifts in time or place without much explanation, which had me reverting back to previous pages to see if I missed things or interpreted things incorrectly?
However, for a first novel I think it’s great! Astrid has created a really interesting and unique world to explore. The world building is second to none, with lots of cleverly thought out names and history within each region and character origins/traits. I really felt I was there in this world along with Sage.
Sage is a powerful woman who absolutely kicks as$ and doesn’t take any sh*t from anyone especially when it comes to her unflappable moral integrity, but she also has a big heart and a vulnerability to her too.
Damian, I’m on the fence with. At times he’s likeable, and it’s difficult not to feel empathy for him for his past traumas, but then there’s that dark side to him that give me red flags. He can be quite arrogant, and is very sexually driven to the point of almost being pushy or coercive which at times made me feel a little uncomfortable. However, I have a feeling this is all part of his character development, and how we as readers are meant to feel confused and weary along with Sage? He’s morally grey for sure and I imagine we’ll learn a lot more about him in the rest of the series. I really liked how he wasn’t afraid to show his feminine side, or push gender norms out the window. I also appreciated the LGBTQ+ representation within this book with characters such as Damian, who is an androgynous bisexual man but also Gertrude, who is Trans.
Another stand out character who has to be mentioned is SAMSON! He’s a Lolligo (Humanoid Squid), which is a unique species at the very core of this world and its original lore. Samson, roommate to Sage and mainly in hiding, is such a admirable character you can’t help but love despite his blunt bad temper. He’s protective, strong, and wise and I just know there’s so much more to come from him - which I cannot wait to find out! In fact, his story is what had me hooked towards the end!
Amongst the story there is also a lot of fast paced action, though I did personally think this could have been a little more descriptive in parts. I thought the spice was well written and found the open dialogue between Sage and Damian during these scenes to be a refreshing take on things.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and am invested into continuing with the rest of series.
A special thanks to Astrid for allowing me to be part of the reviewing team process.
Very very good
I wasn't sure what the story line was going to be. But I love it, can't wait to continue on with the next one. Damian sure loves his girl. And Sage is a FMC you don't want to mess with.
I wasn't sure what the story line was going to be. But I love it, can't wait to continue on with the next one. Damian sure loves his girl. And Sage is a FMC you don't want to mess with.
4,5 stars!
In this dystopian Sci-Fi we follow Sage who owns a pizzeria in Diamond City. However she carries a lot of secrets about herself and her past, but she want to live a normal life.
However she gets sucked into the politics of the city who are trying to get rid of and ban all Enhanced. These Enhanced have received Cells, that make them stronger than regular humans.
The Enhanced are gathering together in a rebel camp led by a person called the Warlord.
The Warlord has kidnapped the daugher of the Allseer (the ruler of Diamond City) and together with Louis the son of the Allseer they travel to the camp to negotiate.
More and more of her past is unraveled and Sage's alliances change. The Warlord falls head over heels for her and tries to pursue her, she tries to resist for a long as she can, but she caves eventually. Together they try to assemble all the Enhanced living in the outskirts so they can overthrow the Diamond City government. To be honest I didn't like the Warlord as a character, but my guess is some things will become more clear in the next book!
To know how this all ends you have to read this book yourself! But if you love Sci-fi, dystopian settings, with monsters, he falls first, strong and sassy fmc, secrets, politics, intrigues, and pizza then this book is for you!
In this dystopian Sci-Fi we follow Sage who owns a pizzeria in Diamond City. However she carries a lot of secrets about herself and her past, but she want to live a normal life.
However she gets sucked into the politics of the city who are trying to get rid of and ban all Enhanced. These Enhanced have received Cells, that make them stronger than regular humans.
The Enhanced are gathering together in a rebel camp led by a person called the Warlord.
The Warlord has kidnapped the daugher of the Allseer (the ruler of Diamond City) and together with Louis the son of the Allseer they travel to the camp to negotiate.
More and more of her past is unraveled and Sage's alliances change. The Warlord falls head over heels for her and tries to pursue her, she tries to resist for a long as she can, but she caves eventually. Together they try to assemble all the Enhanced living in the outskirts so they can overthrow the Diamond City government. To be honest I didn't like the Warlord as a character, but my guess is some things will become more clear in the next book!
To know how this all ends you have to read this book yourself! But if you love Sci-fi, dystopian settings, with monsters, he falls first, strong and sassy fmc, secrets, politics, intrigues, and pizza then this book is for you!
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
It's been so long since I've read a sci-fi bcoz I've always felt that I was too dumb to understand them but now I wanna read more of the genre!!!
Huge thanks to the author for sending me the ebook in exchange for my honest opinion.
What can you expect
🗡️Dystopian sci-fi fantasy romance
🗡️Political intrigue, revolution (rebels)
🗡️Strong, independent & badass FMC
🗡️Charming, seductive & flirty MMC
🗡️Morally grey characters
🗡️Knife to heart (love it more than knife to throat?!🙈)
🗡️Monsters & dangers beyond our imagination
Huge thanks to the author for sending me the ebook in exchange for my honest opinion.
What can you expect
🗡️Dystopian sci-fi fantasy romance
🗡️Political intrigue, revolution (rebels)
🗡️Strong, independent & badass FMC
🗡️Charming, seductive & flirty MMC
🗡️Morally grey characters
🗡️Knife to heart (love it more than knife to throat?!🙈)
🗡️Monsters & dangers beyond our imagination
World
The world was incredibly unique and equally enticing. It's a dystopian futuristic society with a lot of technical advancements that were so cool that I was envious of the characters at times🤭 But I don't think I'll survive in the world cuz we have quite a lot of ruthless individuals, even bloodthirsty ones that gave me the shivers at times. The person in control of the Diamond City gives the image of a great person who's working hard to keep the peace in the City and that he's the only one who can protect them all from the rebels but that very act of being too good gives you a sense of unease from the start, and it makes you wonder if he really is working for the better of the people. I'd stop at that and leave you guys to read more and find out about him and his goals for the City & its people.
Characters
Sage Arpine is such a badass and fierce FMC that you can't stop admiring from the very moment you meet her. I fell in love with her as soon as her love for pizza was revealed (I mean, who can hate someone who loves & lives for pizza😌), and to add to that, we also find out within a few chapters that she'd not hesitate to put a guy in his place if he even looks at her or any woman in the wrong way (i became gay for her at that very moment!!!!!)🧎🏻♀️🔥 She cares a lot for her family that she'd so anything for them, and that makes her even more admirable.
Damian is handsome & seductive, and kinda gives off the vibe of being a manipulative MMC at the start and that's because you see everyone acting at his beck & call which comes off as suspicious. But we can see as the plot progresses that he truly cares about his people & has earned their respect by being the genuine leader that he is. But he's a bit of an eccentric too cuz he's very much addicted to flashy clothes, and is so flirty and horny most of the time (atleast around Sage), and I found it to be a bit much at times & also found myself giggling at his advances at other times, so I guess I did fall for him in the end!🤷🏻♀️ And he's such an acts of service guy that I truly couldn't hate him even if I wanted to!!!! He remembers every tiny detail that Sage mentions & then brings it back during their talks or gifts her the thing she loves,..... And I absolutely love when men do that cuz it's the smallest things that matter than the big declarations of love!!!!
The world was incredibly unique and equally enticing. It's a dystopian futuristic society with a lot of technical advancements that were so cool that I was envious of the characters at times🤭 But I don't think I'll survive in the world cuz we have quite a lot of ruthless individuals, even bloodthirsty ones that gave me the shivers at times. The person in control of the Diamond City gives the image of a great person who's working hard to keep the peace in the City and that he's the only one who can protect them all from the rebels but that very act of being too good gives you a sense of unease from the start, and it makes you wonder if he really is working for the better of the people. I'd stop at that and leave you guys to read more and find out about him and his goals for the City & its people.
Characters
Sage Arpine is such a badass and fierce FMC that you can't stop admiring from the very moment you meet her. I fell in love with her as soon as her love for pizza was revealed (I mean, who can hate someone who loves & lives for pizza😌), and to add to that, we also find out within a few chapters that she'd not hesitate to put a guy in his place if he even looks at her or any woman in the wrong way (i became gay for her at that very moment!!!!!)🧎🏻♀️🔥 She cares a lot for her family that she'd so anything for them, and that makes her even more admirable.
Damian is handsome & seductive, and kinda gives off the vibe of being a manipulative MMC at the start and that's because you see everyone acting at his beck & call which comes off as suspicious. But we can see as the plot progresses that he truly cares about his people & has earned their respect by being the genuine leader that he is. But he's a bit of an eccentric too cuz he's very much addicted to flashy clothes, and is so flirty and horny most of the time (atleast around Sage), and I found it to be a bit much at times & also found myself giggling at his advances at other times, so I guess I did fall for him in the end!🤷🏻♀️ And he's such an acts of service guy that I truly couldn't hate him even if I wanted to!!!! He remembers every tiny detail that Sage mentions & then brings it back during their talks or gifts her the thing she loves,..... And I absolutely love when men do that cuz it's the smallest things that matter than the big declarations of love!!!!
Their relationship might've come across as insta love to us but in reality, they've spent months together before finally deciding to date each other, so I do approve of this insta love (even though I absolutely hate that trope!!) And I always am a sucker for "I can change the monster into a human" micro trope, and it was done so well here imo!! I'm truly eager to see how their relationship grows further in the upcoming books.
Samson is just one of those characters you cannot help but absolutely adore & root for!!! He has the well-being of Sage in his heart, and is a true friend to her from the start, and I really loved him for being extremely honest with her at most of the times cuz only a true friend can diss straight to your face🤣 And I really adored their friendship from the start, and I'm kinda eager to see how it goes in the second book👀
Plot
The plot was so interesting that I couldn't put it down after the halfway point. That's because of the countless twists & revelations that are thrown your way from there, and some of them had my jaw dropping to the floor (I kid you not cuz you wouldn't see it coming!!!!). And even though we seemed to get this feeling of satisfaction & content for our characters at the end, we can sense that there's something huge looming in the back, and it makes you want to pick up the sequel immediately!!!
The only thing that grated at me was the constant mention of nipples and breasts cuz it made me uncomfortable at times, and it's the only reason I might've taken down half a star.
Overall, I'd absolutely recommend this book if you're looking for a sci-fi romance with an interesting and unique plot.
Plot
The plot was so interesting that I couldn't put it down after the halfway point. That's because of the countless twists & revelations that are thrown your way from there, and some of them had my jaw dropping to the floor (I kid you not cuz you wouldn't see it coming!!!!). And even though we seemed to get this feeling of satisfaction & content for our characters at the end, we can sense that there's something huge looming in the back, and it makes you want to pick up the sequel immediately!!!
The only thing that grated at me was the constant mention of nipples and breasts cuz it made me uncomfortable at times, and it's the only reason I might've taken down half a star.
Overall, I'd absolutely recommend this book if you're looking for a sci-fi romance with an interesting and unique plot.