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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
Ending September with Diamond City has me looking forward to what is next in this series. I had a few ups and downs with this one, but overall, I definitely enjoyed this!
The story did take me a bit to get into. At the beginning, I was a bit confused as to what was happening. But once the dots started to connect, I was all in on it. The plot leads you on a bit and gives you pieces of lore throughout, making the parts I was unsure of at first, make more sense.
Characters are very strong in this.
Samson, highlight for me! As I've seen many people say, I agree, totally Zoidberg. Sage is powerful, badass, and takes zero crap from anyone. Although I did question her crushing and romance interests at the beginning. She's over a 100 but was a bit teenager like at times. The Warlord character was very interesting and has a ton of depth and struggles he goes through. No matter how much of a horndog he was, he was another highlight. And I'm saying it, I enjoyed Wren a ton and wanted more of her!
Overall, the action scenes and strong characters made this enjoyable for me. I'm looking forward to seeing where this heads in Emerald City!
The story did take me a bit to get into. At the beginning, I was a bit confused as to what was happening. But once the dots started to connect, I was all in on it. The plot leads you on a bit and gives you pieces of lore throughout, making the parts I was unsure of at first, make more sense.
Characters are very strong in this.
Samson, highlight for me! As I've seen many people say, I agree, totally Zoidberg. Sage is powerful, badass, and takes zero crap from anyone. Although I did question her crushing and romance interests at the beginning. She's over a 100 but was a bit teenager like at times. The Warlord character was very interesting and has a ton of depth and struggles he goes through. No matter how much of a horndog he was, he was another highlight. And I'm saying it, I enjoyed Wren a ton and wanted more of her!
Overall, the action scenes and strong characters made this enjoyable for me. I'm looking forward to seeing where this heads in Emerald City!
This book brought out a whole slew of feelings in me! When the action is going, this book is absolutely great. I love the different factions and history involved, as well as the world building. The vibe is very apocalypse/dystopian. The society structure and cities almost remind me of early on in the Walking Dead series, but more technologically advanced. There is a lot of manipulation and corruption involved, of course, and it's hard to tell who the “bad guys” are because everyone is morally grey in their views and methods. I love political intrigue and the like so this was a huge plus.
That said, I absolutely wanted to punch something every time we were dealing with emotions. I really struggled to like Sage for a long time because she comes off as very immature, naive, and inconsistent in her emotions, even though she is most definitely not a teen. She just felt too wishy washy and easily persuaded for this bad ass fighter who is over 100 years old. She grew on me but there were definitely eye rolls up until the end. Her relationships were still entertaining, and I really like Gertrude.
Overall, I think this series has a TON of potential to become something really amazing, and there is plenty of room and groundwork for good character growth as we continue.
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-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
There is a lot of awesome stuff happening here - super interesting world and concept, hilariously hard to love characters that you can't help but love, and lots of mystery and intrigue. The queer normative world and gender reversed roles was sooo refreshing! I found the writing style a bit jarring and confusing at times but I'm somehow still very invested in this story. The relationship between the two MCs felt ackward but in a way I sometimes found funny but sometimes very off putting. I still love sage and her abrasiveness. This book is a wild ride! Thank you to the author for this ARC opportunity
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
This book offers a unique blend of sci-fi and dystopian elements, focusing on the Enhanced. The plot is engaging, featuring a diverse cast and a rich world filled with betrayals and unexpected twists.
Sage, the main character, is captivating, though her infatuation with Louis felt a bit surprising for a 100+ year-old warrior. However, this vulnerability adds a nice layer to her character. I also enjoyed her relationship with Damian, which brought some lighthearted moments to the story.
While I was invested in the narrative, I found the world-building a bit chaotic as the plot unfolded. Sage’s actions occasionally contradicted her fierce persona, and the romance had moments that felt rushed. Despite this, I still had a fun time reading and appreciated the overall experience.
Thank you, Astrid Cole, for the ARC!
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
WOW! That’s all I can say. The captivating blurb drew me into this series, and it certainly did not disappoint.
"Diamond City" weaves an intricate tale filled with themes of hope, redemption, resilience, and survival. The story delves into the complexities of identity and self-discovery while exploring the dynamics of power and corruption in a dystopian setting.
This sci-fi fantasy is packed with action, yet it masterfully balances elements of romance, drama, and humor, making it an engaging read from start to finish. The characters are well-developed and relatable, adding depth to the thrilling plot.
Overall, "Diamond City" is a compelling journey that keeps you on the edge of your seat while inviting you to reflect on the human experience. Highly recommended!
"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.
“I cannot lose you because if I do, it will destroy me. It will shatter what is left of my black soul”
If you loved Bryce Quinlan or Jude Duarte, then you will fall head over heels for the pizza loving Sage. Astrid did an really awesome job writing a really strong, stabby and badass FMC. An FMC with secrets that made her go into hiding, but principles that makes her take hard decisions. While the story evolves the knowledge you have about Sage is also evolving. I really bonded with Sage while reading.
The other characters are also detailed they all have there own special place in the story and even the smallest characters are detailed. But I have to admit that I don’t dare to get to attached because I’m really scares Astrid will to a George R.R. Martin to us!! But man, the banter!! Give it to me it’s so good, so please Astrid don’t kill Damien.
The worldbuilding in this book really makes it a sci-fi, it’s so good. It sucked me in and I really could imagen the dystopian world and the futuristic futures that are mentioned. The plot and then especially the plottwists made the book for me and I can’t wait to read Emerald City!
Tropes
Strong FMC
Dysfunctional Families
He falls first
Morally grey MMC
Betrayal
Spice
If you loved Bryce Quinlan or Jude Duarte, then you will fall head over heels for the pizza loving Sage. Astrid did an really awesome job writing a really strong, stabby and badass FMC. An FMC with secrets that made her go into hiding, but principles that makes her take hard decisions. While the story evolves the knowledge you have about Sage is also evolving. I really bonded with Sage while reading.
The other characters are also detailed they all have there own special place in the story and even the smallest characters are detailed. But I have to admit that I don’t dare to get to attached because I’m really scares Astrid will to a George R.R. Martin to us!! But man, the banter!! Give it to me it’s so good, so please Astrid don’t kill Damien.
The worldbuilding in this book really makes it a sci-fi, it’s so good. It sucked me in and I really could imagen the dystopian world and the futuristic futures that are mentioned. The plot and then especially the plottwists made the book for me and I can’t wait to read Emerald City!
Tropes
Strong FMC
Dysfunctional Families
He falls first
Morally grey MMC
Betrayal
Spice
adventurous
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:
Complicated
Well…my pizza cravings hit hard while reading this…but oh it satisfied my dystopian sci-fi loving heart.
Diamine City has a strong and resilient FMC named Sage who is a total badass! From the first page, I was hooked. World building has always been a huge hit for me and Astrid Cole has built a world that I can easily picture in my mind and that made falling into Diamond City so easy.
A bonus, the story had me chuckling quite a bit!
Diamine City has a strong and resilient FMC named Sage who is a total badass! From the first page, I was hooked. World building has always been a huge hit for me and Astrid Cole has built a world that I can easily picture in my mind and that made falling into Diamond City so easy.
A bonus, the story had me chuckling quite a bit!
After years of war to unite all the districts, Sage just wants peace and quite life. Being with her neices and running a pizza shop has been her life for quite some years now, but she is living with a secret. Being part of the warrior race and her role in the war didn’t let her stay hidden for long.
When she is sold off to the royal family which then blackmails her to go after the notorious revel warlord, she learns that she is on the wrong side of the war.
She must choose a side, between a charming warlord and a naive prince she will have her loyalties split. While all she wants is to protect the city and run her pizzeria, everyone wants to use her for her cells that came from the warrior race.
Sage was a badass character with vulnerable side. She had the strength like no one but also a soft spot for the city. She has conflicting thoughts all the time, makes her more like a normal person that adapts according to their surroundings.
Daiman on the other hand is phenomenal. I couldn’t decide if I trust him till the end of the book. He was witty and finny with gorgeous looks. He was such an interesting character that I couldn’t wait to learn about him same as Sage.
I loved both books. The starting felt like I was rushed into a story without any background information but then as I read further the layers of the story begun unfolding. The characters have depth, development and mind of their own. I was not able to decide who is good or bad.
When she is sold off to the royal family which then blackmails her to go after the notorious revel warlord, she learns that she is on the wrong side of the war.
She must choose a side, between a charming warlord and a naive prince she will have her loyalties split. While all she wants is to protect the city and run her pizzeria, everyone wants to use her for her cells that came from the warrior race.
Sage was a badass character with vulnerable side. She had the strength like no one but also a soft spot for the city. She has conflicting thoughts all the time, makes her more like a normal person that adapts according to their surroundings.
Daiman on the other hand is phenomenal. I couldn’t decide if I trust him till the end of the book. He was witty and finny with gorgeous looks. He was such an interesting character that I couldn’t wait to learn about him same as Sage.
I loved both books. The starting felt like I was rushed into a story without any background information but then as I read further the layers of the story begun unfolding. The characters have depth, development and mind of their own. I was not able to decide who is good or bad.