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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-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:
Yes
⭐️3.75
🌶️2 /3
"Do what you love but be smart about it."
"You don't need to carry me anywhere." Sage snapped. " Who the fuck do I look like to you - one of those prissy bitches you were making out with all night? Now walk."
"You give what your partner gave to you," Damian said. "But there is one little detail that makes all the difference in a relationship." "What's that?" Sage panted.
"Your strive to give more."
"You are pure.. and I will let no one tarnish you. Anyone who does will pay with their life."
Astrid had me at 'Sage owns a pizza shop' I didn't even listen to much else before running and purchasing the Pizza sprayed edge SE's of this series. Literally not even joking and after finally reading Diamond City, I'm glad I did.
This is a sci-fi, dystopian fantasy romance. It was giving me, Mad Max x Jetsons-esque x otherworldly vibes. The world building and concept of this book was really intriguing and probably one of my favorite parts about it besides Sage and Samson who I truly adore. Witty banter, diversity throughout the characters and LGBTQIA+ representation was awesome to see.
Sage is a warrior through and through and as badass as she is at over 100 years ago, she still has random crushes on princes and really just wants a simple life with her family running her pizza restaurant. But obviously, things can't just be that simple.
The Warlord aka Damian is an androgynous MMC and the relationship between him and Sage although was a little too hate to insta-lovey for me was still cute. What I really enjoy more than anything between the two of them is the general roles/norms if you will flipping back and forth, it’s so refreshing to see.
There's are couple things that popped up that aren't my favorite and to not spoil anything I won't mention it here but, overall if you like sci-fi/dystopian fantasy's with banter, badass characters, swearing, fighting and so many other things I would recommend!
I'd also like to add that, I already started reading Emerald City and I can't wait to see all the twists, turns, potential deceptions that's to come! Thank you Astrid so much for reaching out with an ARC for my honest review.
🌶️2 /3
"Do what you love but be smart about it."
"You don't need to carry me anywhere." Sage snapped. " Who the fuck do I look like to you - one of those prissy bitches you were making out with all night? Now walk."
"You give what your partner gave to you," Damian said. "But there is one little detail that makes all the difference in a relationship." "What's that?" Sage panted.
"Your strive to give more."
"You are pure.. and I will let no one tarnish you. Anyone who does will pay with their life."
Astrid had me at 'Sage owns a pizza shop' I didn't even listen to much else before running and purchasing the Pizza sprayed edge SE's of this series. Literally not even joking and after finally reading Diamond City, I'm glad I did.
This is a sci-fi, dystopian fantasy romance. It was giving me, Mad Max x Jetsons-esque x otherworldly vibes. The world building and concept of this book was really intriguing and probably one of my favorite parts about it besides Sage and Samson who I truly adore. Witty banter, diversity throughout the characters and LGBTQIA+ representation was awesome to see.
Sage is a warrior through and through and as badass as she is at over 100 years ago, she still has random crushes on princes and really just wants a simple life with her family running her pizza restaurant. But obviously, things can't just be that simple.
The Warlord aka Damian is an androgynous MMC and the relationship between him and Sage although was a little too hate to insta-lovey for me was still cute. What I really enjoy more than anything between the two of them is the general roles/norms if you will flipping back and forth, it’s so refreshing to see.
There's are couple things that popped up that aren't my favorite and to not spoil anything I won't mention it here but, overall if you like sci-fi/dystopian fantasy's with banter, badass characters, swearing, fighting and so many other things I would recommend!
I'd also like to add that, I already started reading Emerald City and I can't wait to see all the twists, turns, potential deceptions that's to come! Thank you Astrid so much for reaching out with an ARC for my honest review.
In order to return to her life, she must strike a deal with the most dangerous man in the city…
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
If you enjoy sci-fi, action, and unique world building, this book is for you. I love the world in this—cities are based on jewels with fractions called Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat. I don’t want to give too much away as there were some really cool and fun twists but we dive right into the story. There is politics, a wide array of characters including the morally grey, and plenty of action. I wasn’t entirely convinced with the romance as I prefer a slow burn over instalust but it was really fun getting to know the characters and I’m interested to see how the story continues in Emerald City.
Thank you to the author for the reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the author for the reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
"If you mess with me again, I'll make sure your heads join the Warlord's collection. And just so you know, I won't ask him for permission. He'll get a nice surprise in the morning."
I had heard such great things about this book from other readers and then saw that the amazing author was looking for more people to be on her street team. I was so blessed to be able to join her team. Astrid sent me Diamond City and I devoured it in just a couple days. It's been awhile since I've read a dystopian fantasy, and I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
Diamond City features a badass warrior FMC, enhanced hybrid peoples, a morally grey MMC, diverse characters, and lots of action. Sage is an invincible female warrior who has battled for the good of the people her whole life. She has been trying to fly under the radar lately and just wants to run her pizzeria. When conflict returns, she has no choice but to step in and figure out which side she's on. This book keeps you guessing as to which characters are the bad guys and which are the good guys. There are so many diverse characters in this story, including humans, the Enhanced, and squids.
There is a morally grey MMC who I love to hate. He's far from perfect. He's battling his own demons and has for most of his life. When he was younger, he reached rock bottom and was saved by the Optimum. Ever since he's been fighting for a better tomorrow.
I was fully entranced by this story. I'm diving right into Emerald City because I'm not ready to leave this super unique world and characters quite yet.
Also, I'm quite intrigued by the Hippo pizza.
I had heard such great things about this book from other readers and then saw that the amazing author was looking for more people to be on her street team. I was so blessed to be able to join her team. Astrid sent me Diamond City and I devoured it in just a couple days. It's been awhile since I've read a dystopian fantasy, and I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
Diamond City features a badass warrior FMC, enhanced hybrid peoples, a morally grey MMC, diverse characters, and lots of action. Sage is an invincible female warrior who has battled for the good of the people her whole life. She has been trying to fly under the radar lately and just wants to run her pizzeria. When conflict returns, she has no choice but to step in and figure out which side she's on. This book keeps you guessing as to which characters are the bad guys and which are the good guys. There are so many diverse characters in this story, including humans, the Enhanced, and squids.
There is a morally grey MMC who I love to hate. He's far from perfect. He's battling his own demons and has for most of his life. When he was younger, he reached rock bottom and was saved by the Optimum. Ever since he's been fighting for a better tomorrow.
I was fully entranced by this story. I'm diving right into Emerald City because I'm not ready to leave this super unique world and characters quite yet.
Also, I'm quite intrigued by the Hippo pizza.
This was such a good book and a great start for the series!! The world building was done beautifully. This was one of the most unique books I’ve read so far. The whole concept of enhanced beings was really cool and interesting to read about. I love how much thought and care the author put into creating their world. I’m not usually a big sci-fi reader but the author definitely got me with this one. I immediately had to start reading book 2 once I finished! The FMC is an immortal secret badass warrior that just wants to live a simpler life. She is a pizza enthusiast and I’ve never related more
I was immediately captivated by the engaging blurb and the striking cover of "Diamond City," but reading it turned out to be an entirely immersive adventure. Astrid Cole has created a fascinating world where enhanced beings, immortals, and hybrids intersect in a futuristic, post-apocalyptic landscape. The main character, Sage, is a century-old immortal warrior who dreams of a peaceful life running her pizza shop—and that idea is everything I never realized I was missing.
Sage is a beautifully complex character: fierce, empathetic, loyal, and commanding, yet relatable with her teenage crushes and longing for life's simple joys. She is a formidable presence, but someone you can't help but support as she grapples with her conflicting desires for peace, romance, and responsibility. The Warlord serves as the perfect morally ambiguous counterpart—flamboyant, egotistical, and vulnerable all at once. His quick wit and unpredictable nature make him one of the most engaging and dynamic characters I've encountered. The electric tension between Sage and the Warlord comes alive through their banter, power struggles, and emotional openness.
What sets "Diamond City" apart is its seamless fusion of genres. Astrid expertly intertwines sci-fi, dystopian fantasy, action, romance, humour, and even a hint of spice. The world-building is rich and intricate, filled with political intrigue, shifting loyalties, and a diverse cast of characters, each with their own agenda. The plot twists kept me on my toes, and the stakes remained high from beginning to end.
Astrid's storytelling is exceptional. She effortlessly balances explosive action with tender, heartfelt moments. The humour and banter are hilarious, the romance is swoon-worthy, and the spicy scenes have just the right amount of heat.
I have officially entered my Astrid Cole era and have no intention of leaving. I'm eager to explore Sage's world—teetering between peace and chaos, loyalty and betrayal, love and war—again. With "Emerald City" next on my list, I can’t wait to continue this unforgettable journey. "Diamond City" is an absolute must-read for anyone seeking a book that's as unique and layered as one of Sage's gourmet pizzas.
Sage is a beautifully complex character: fierce, empathetic, loyal, and commanding, yet relatable with her teenage crushes and longing for life's simple joys. She is a formidable presence, but someone you can't help but support as she grapples with her conflicting desires for peace, romance, and responsibility. The Warlord serves as the perfect morally ambiguous counterpart—flamboyant, egotistical, and vulnerable all at once. His quick wit and unpredictable nature make him one of the most engaging and dynamic characters I've encountered. The electric tension between Sage and the Warlord comes alive through their banter, power struggles, and emotional openness.
What sets "Diamond City" apart is its seamless fusion of genres. Astrid expertly intertwines sci-fi, dystopian fantasy, action, romance, humour, and even a hint of spice. The world-building is rich and intricate, filled with political intrigue, shifting loyalties, and a diverse cast of characters, each with their own agenda. The plot twists kept me on my toes, and the stakes remained high from beginning to end.
Astrid's storytelling is exceptional. She effortlessly balances explosive action with tender, heartfelt moments. The humour and banter are hilarious, the romance is swoon-worthy, and the spicy scenes have just the right amount of heat.
I have officially entered my Astrid Cole era and have no intention of leaving. I'm eager to explore Sage's world—teetering between peace and chaos, loyalty and betrayal, love and war—again. With "Emerald City" next on my list, I can’t wait to continue this unforgettable journey. "Diamond City" is an absolute must-read for anyone seeking a book that's as unique and layered as one of Sage's gourmet pizzas.
✨️✨️thank you to Astrid Cole for this amazing opportunity!!✨️✨️
the cover is so pretty and I really hope i can pick up a physical copy one day.
Sage works at a pizza shop with Bram. she is obsessed with pizza (I think a lot of us can relate). her dream is to marry a prince, live in a castle, and love like she were in a fairytale. her reality is much more complex and messy than she would like.
she's soon thrust into the world of trying to find the AllSeer and the Warlord and things take quite a turn throughout the book. it was refreshing to see and older FMC in a book because a lot of the time you usually read about MCs that are 16-20 and not much older.
the world is definitely apocalyptic and dystopian. the structure of the society reminds me of Divergent a bit which I thought was super cool. there's definitely a lot more technology involved like the book series, Uglies. Manipulation, control, and corruption are prevelant within the government and it's interesting to learn exactly who you as a reader can/should trust.
I'm glad that it's not strictly a romance novel, but instead it's more action packed, and you can see the motivation Sage has as you read on in further into the book. it did take me a bit to get into the book but that's only because it's been YEARS since I read a dystopian novel.
the plot twists!!!
I liked how action packed the book was and he going to find her sister, the fight scenes, and so much more. there was something much packed into this story and there were so many twists and turns.
I was given the opportunity to be a part of Astrid Cole's arc review group. I truly enjoyed this book and i cannot wait to read the others in the series. If you haven't picked this up yet, I recommend you do! 💎
the cover is so pretty and I really hope i can pick up a physical copy one day.
Sage works at a pizza shop with Bram. she is obsessed with pizza (I think a lot of us can relate). her dream is to marry a prince, live in a castle, and love like she were in a fairytale. her reality is much more complex and messy than she would like.
she's soon thrust into the world of trying to find the AllSeer and the Warlord and things take quite a turn throughout the book. it was refreshing to see and older FMC in a book because a lot of the time you usually read about MCs that are 16-20 and not much older.
the world is definitely apocalyptic and dystopian. the structure of the society reminds me of Divergent a bit which I thought was super cool. there's definitely a lot more technology involved like the book series, Uglies. Manipulation, control, and corruption are prevelant within the government and it's interesting to learn exactly who you as a reader can/should trust.
I'm glad that it's not strictly a romance novel, but instead it's more action packed, and you can see the motivation Sage has as you read on in further into the book. it did take me a bit to get into the book but that's only because it's been YEARS since I read a dystopian novel.
the plot twists!!!
I liked how action packed the book was and he going to find her sister, the fight scenes, and so much more. there was something much packed into this story and there were so many twists and turns.
I was given the opportunity to be a part of Astrid Cole's arc review group. I truly enjoyed this book and i cannot wait to read the others in the series. If you haven't picked this up yet, I recommend you do! 💎
adventurous
medium-paced
This was my first Si-fi Fantasy read and I really enjoyed it. I did find it confusing in the start because there wasn't much back round on the MFC but as the story went on it clicked all in to place! She is such a badass and love the sassy attitude! Definitely recommended! Now on to book 2!