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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
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:
Yes
There were a lot of twists in this book and a lot of subplots but it all flowed really well and usually didn't feel like too much. Plus I think the author did a better job at enemies to lovers than what is usually done.
adventurous
challenging
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Entertaining worldbuilding, interesting (main) characters, good cliffhanger that makes me eager to start the second book.
Although Crier's War is set in a vaguely medievalesque world, I honestly find the history of the Automae quite interesting in the context of modern AI (and the uncertainty of what the future holds for us in this regard). I mean, a story about humans creating a superpowered species just because we could, without considering the potential consequences because we fully believe that we'll always be able to subjugate them, only for them to turn us into servants and slaves? Doesn't sound that unlikely!
Despite what I'd been told about this book when it was being recommended to me, I didn't find it overly full of political intrigue and such. Don't get me wrong, there is definitely a plot, plot twists, and, indeed, intrigue, but my impression was that all of that served more as a background to character study and the romance between the two protagonists.
Speaking of which - I actually really liked how slow burn it was (and - mild spoiler - how). The romantic tropes worked well, and I felt like I really got to know both Ayla and Crier through their narration. I don't know if my standards are just kinda low because of previous experiences or something, but I genuinely do appreciate how Ayla doesn't magically forget all about her suffering, plans for revenge, and in general all the experiences that had shaped her just because she developed a crush (which is a way too common trope, in my opinion); similarly, Crier's development and her journey of finding herself is believable and well-paced. Her genuine curiosity about human customs and emotions was endearing (And the reveal that - delicious, and it definitely adds layers to the conflict between humans and Automae.)
The conflict itself is your generic "war of kinds" trope, with both sides having their extremists (who want full isolation) and those who believe that coexistence is not only possible but desired; still, an enjoyable read.
Lastly, because I wouldn't be myself if I didn't find at least something to nitpick at, even when I like a book, here's a short list of things that stood out to me in a bit more negative way (although it's important to state that none of the below actually ruined the book for me!):
1) Crier's War presents a full cast of potentially very interesting characters, but I don't feel like I really got to know any of them, especially when it comes to Ayla's connections. On Crier's side, we get to see a bit of Hesod and Kinok along with her commentary, but even then all of it is, well, rooten in how Crier sees and experiences them. I'd love to know more about them, and also about Rowan and Benjy - to learn their motivations, their perspective... It's a strange 'flaw', because on one hand, I can't say that it really bothered me in the end, but I was left wanting more.
2) Some of the twists and other plot devices were, well, kind of predictable.
3) Aight, the one plot-related thing that really made me roll my eyes: both the innkeeper and the maid answering Crier's questions about Reyka without hesitating even for one second! In case of the innkeeper I can kinda get it - Crier, an obvious noble, asked her a question; but the maid beckoned her over on her own will! And! I find it hard to believe that Kinok's people hadn't gotten to them way before Crier, if that's how they are. (Unless that's a setup for another plot twist...)
Would definitely recommend this book, especially if someone's looking for well executed slow burn enemies to lovers with some 'two girls in ahot tub tide pool, standing NO feet apart because they are GAY' thrown in.
Although Crier's War is set in a vaguely medievalesque world, I honestly find the history of the Automae quite interesting in the context of modern AI (and the uncertainty of what the future holds for us in this regard). I mean, a story about humans creating a superpowered species just because we could, without considering the potential consequences because we fully believe that we'll always be able to subjugate them, only for them to turn us into servants and slaves? Doesn't sound that unlikely!
Despite what I'd been told about this book when it was being recommended to me, I didn't find it overly full of political intrigue and such. Don't get me wrong, there is definitely a plot, plot twists, and, indeed, intrigue, but my impression was that all of that served more as a background to character study and the romance between the two protagonists.
Speaking of which - I actually really liked how slow burn it was (and - mild spoiler - how
Spoiler
the kiss between Ayla and Crier wasn't the ultimate ending to a love story, but rather a complication that lead to further dilemmasSpoiler
there is no five pillar, meaning that Crier's 'humanity' isn't a Flaw in her Design but simply herselfThe conflict itself is your generic "war of kinds" trope, with both sides having their extremists (who want full isolation) and those who believe that coexistence is not only possible but desired; still, an enjoyable read.
Lastly, because I wouldn't be myself if I didn't find at least something to nitpick at, even when I like a book, here's a short list of things that stood out to me in a bit more negative way (although it's important to state that none of the below actually ruined the book for me!):
1) Crier's War presents a full cast of potentially very interesting characters, but I don't feel like I really got to know any of them, especially when it comes to Ayla's connections. On Crier's side, we get to see a bit of Hesod and Kinok along with her commentary, but even then all of it is, well, rooten in how Crier sees and experiences them. I'd love to know more about them, and also about Rowan and Benjy - to learn their motivations, their perspective... It's a strange 'flaw', because on one hand, I can't say that it really bothered me in the end, but I was left wanting more.
2) Some of the twists and other plot devices were, well, kind of predictable.
Spoiler
The second I read about Storme's body having been burned 'beyond recognition', I was like, A-ha... Currently placing bets against myself to see if Reyka is actually dead, or if Junne's 'took care of her' means something completely different than what Crier understood it to mean.3) Aight, the one plot-related thing that really made me roll my eyes: both the innkeeper and the maid answering Crier's questions about Reyka without hesitating even for one second! In case of the innkeeper I can kinda get it - Crier, an obvious noble, asked her a question; but the maid beckoned her over on her own will! And
Spoiler
gave her Reyka's mystery box just like thatWould definitely recommend this book, especially if someone's looking for well executed slow burn enemies to lovers with some 'two girls in a
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-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:
Yes
Ok, ok, everyone who bothered me to read this for years was right. A fast-pace, engaging plot hooks, and incredibly loveable protagonists make for sapphic YA excellence.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes