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3nd3rch3st's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I thought most of this book was incredible; the world building is brilliant and the main character is very interesting. However, the ending feels slightly rushed and there were quite a lot of misspellings (simply from not being beta-read (?) enough, I suppose). The ending felt disappointing too. He was told to kill the Dean, went to do it, but just didn't? And he simply lives his life afterwards? I don't agree that all stories must have catharsis, but if they don't they must have something that rounds it out, that signifies the end. I'm not sure whether this was intentional because there will be a second book (which I would still read), but these are just my opinions. I apologize if this comes off rude or anything.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Body horror, Death, Violence, Murder, Religious bigotry, Drug use, and Gore
Moderate: Grief, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Medical content, Religious bigotry, Bullying, Classism, Cursing, Drug use, and Homophobia
Minor: Body shaming, Panic attacks/disorders, Ableism, Suicidal thoughts, and Alcohol
lycangrrl's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Death, Body horror, and Sexual content
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Grief, Toxic relationship, Gun violence, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Classism, Drug use, Toxic friendship, and Suicide
Minor: Alcohol and Cursing
nickyz's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I squeeze my eyes shut and beg for God. Then I open my eyes and I'm at prayer before this beast of Satan.
a very well-deserved 4.5 stars
I received an ARC of The Teras Trials in exchange for an honest review.
Worldbuilding
Burr was able to create a dark, dystopian England, where monsters ravage England and safety is only found within London's city walls. You can earn your place of safety by entering the University and graduating one of four Mantles: Scholar, Healer, Hunter, or Artificer. Each one serves an important purpose. The most rare and most needed Mantle are Hunters who are trained to hunt and kill these monsters. These monsters called 'Teras' are taken from Roman and Greek mythology. So far it had been enough for one family member to graduate the University to secure the place in London, but due to the rising overpopulation, London wants to get rid of anyone who is 'more of a burden than help'. Therefore there is an Open Call for not only Londoners but also outsiders.
Plot
This book is narrated in first person by Cassius Jones. A snarky, smart, and traumatised teenager about to enter University. His family wasn't born in London, they only got a spot after Thaddeus got into University and graduated. Thaddeus is dead-set on Cassius choosing the Mantle Hunter, as if Cassius were to become a good Hunter, London couldn't afford the kick him and his family out. The admission trials are a well-guarded secret that nobody but the graduates know about. Cassius only knows that these trials changed his brother forever. We follow Cassius and his (not quite) friends as they try to get through the trials and make it out alive.
The ending, oh the ending had me at the edge of my seat. I need the second book. Right now.
Writing
I really loved the writing. Normally, I prefer third person but Burr managed to tell this story so intimately. Cassius' voice was exactly what this book needed. It was a perfect mix of cynicism, humor, and gutwrenching self-hatred and guilt. The choice to tell this story in first person was definitely the right one. The descent from Cassius Jones from a righteous compassionate man to a ruthless, deeply scarred man was... chef's kiss. And there were just a few sentences that just hit right. Burr definitely knows how to use words to invoke feelings, let them be positive or negative.
[
I'd like to think she came out here to wait for me, but we both know the wrong brother is returning.
(hide spoiler)]
Characters
Cassius' physical and mental journey was very interesting. The guilt and self-hate were relatable, though not overbearingly or too depressing. He is definitely a likeable complex character with enough edges and a surprisingly high body count. What I loved most though, was his complicated relationship with his brother Thaddeus (because complex sibling relationships are my jam). This book does not shy away to paint characters in more than one colour. None of these characters are entirely good or entirely evil.
Another part of Cassius' journey was his internalised homophobia and self-hatred fuled by his religious belief. There were many parts that I could relate to and it was so heartbreaking.
And I don't think I can admit it's a sin. Certainly not when the act is tender, but also not when it's rough, debasing. It's all love. It's all love for my body. Perhaps I don't feel guilty for what I do. Perhaps I feel guilty because it is expected.
[To see the early signs of Cassius' anger and later him more and more growing an understanding of what became of his brother... heartbreaking. I was in tears when Thaddeus died and his last words were no words of affection or a last confession: Huter. It says so much about the world, his character, about everything. (hide spoiler)]
Moving on to our first recruit of Cassius' group: Leo Shaw is a character that is easy to love but difficult to know. Somehow, Burr managed to convince me that I know him. I was a fool, because as Cassius said himself, we don't know him at all.
I realised it the frist day we came here--he was using me for information, perhaps is still using me, like I know more than what I've told him--and I think I forgot about that. I saw his desire and his niceness and believed for a moment it might be more than something physical. He is telling me now, almost outright, that Leo Shaw will always come first.
That made him all the more intruiging. Leo was the one who kept it together until the end, a few outbursts here and there, but overall he seemed the most stable. He doesn't talk about his family or his past. We do know that he doesn't shy away using people for his own advantage and even leaving people behind if it means he can save himself.
And he is unhinged. I'm not only talking about "I am ready to let our roommates die to save my own ass" unhinged, I am also talking about "let me give you a handjob in the confessional while I confess my sins to the priest" unhinged.
[I shouldn't expect any less from a man who saw Cassius' brother with his organs in his hands, one step away from a mental breakdown and said:
"I'm sorry."
"Are you?"
"One less hunter means more teras." (hide spoiler)]
Thaddeus Jones is, at first glance, an apathetic, vicious, and violent older brother who is enjoying the position he holds in his family a little too much.
Some of that joy is innocent; I know my brother is glad for the knowledge, the lessons on how to defend himself, and I remember hearing Thaddeus crying in relief the night of his graduation, guranteeing our safety in London so long as he was a practising Hunter. But the darker side is that Thaddeus loves the glory. The power he has over our family.
The little time we get to spend with Thaddeus and how the book uses him throughout the rest of this book was amazing. Specifically the last 'twist' we get does 'redeem' him a little more in my eyes. I am in love with what Burr did with these two characters.
We share the trauma of being the sons of Mr and Mrs Jones. There is no one else in this world who understands.
[When Cassius found out that his brother really did leave him the note to protect him. That he tried to protect his brother one last time. That it wasn't him who burned it. Mah heart. Breaking. (hide spoiler)]
The twins Fred and Silas Lin were winning me over with their sweet, sweet bond. The utter love they shared for each other. I wish we would've seen more of them. Specifically Silas, who was more reserved and quiet most of the time. I grew fond of Fred especially over the last hundred pages or so.
"I want," she says, "to live happily."
"Well, that's nice. But it's a pipe dream. The closest you'll get to that is here."
Fred makes a noise. "If we stay, we'll only be their fodder. You ever seen an old Hunter?"
Frustraded, Silas groans out, "Then declares something else!"
"But it's the only thing I'm good at!"
Next one is Bellamy Taylor. Oh Bellamy... he's a tough one. He is a smug, arrogant Londoner with a hot temper.
["Let her go," I say--plainly, because I'm surprised at him, surprised that he isn't listening to a woman he claims to love. (hide spoiler)]
It took some time getting used to him and I blame him that it took me almost half the book to warm up to Victoria. This book gives him two good memorable moments where I actually did feel for him.
[1. The scene where he is breaking down and realising that the University was actually not that good as he always thought. And 2. His death scene. Him begging for Cassius to save him... I didn't cry but there sure was a lump in my throat. (hide spoiler)]
Victoria Zaki is the last one of the group and was definitely tainted by my neutral stance on/my dislike of Bellamy. She was born outside of London as well, though she was able to adjust more to the life there as her family came to London when she was six. She wants to be a Healer.
One of Burr's strength is to create complex characters, not always likeable, but interesting. That includes characters like Peter Drike, the Dean, and a few side characters that we only meet briefly but who manage to pull you farther into this world.
Romance
This book is by no means a romance, more a book with a romance subplot. There are quite a few explicit/spicy scenes but the romance never takes the spotlight for too long. It wouldn't have made sense otherwise. Cassius knows what's at stake and the few scenes we do get are very good.
"Are you a godly man?"
He leans himself against one of the courtyard pillars. A little breeze moves through his hair. "For you, I could be," he whispers.
Leo and Cassius have great chemistry from the first time they meet. Burr manages to put in enough romantic scenes to make me invested but not too much to distract from the main plot or from the fact that they all are literally fighting every day to survive.
To Sum It Up
Where we started: I'm not here for me. I am here for my family. Cassius Jones is not a person. Cassius Jones is a means to an end. Another piec eon the board.
How it's going: If I cannot bend Heaven, then I shall move Hell. I am not doing this for anyone but myself. Not for Leo Shaw. Not for the soft heat of his lips against mine. But for Cassius Jones. Because, by God, I want to live.
Honorable Mentions (spoilers ahead)
I can't blame God, who has abandoned me, or from whom I have strayed. There is only Cassius Jones to blame.
I turn on my heel and walk before anyone can stop me. Or before I can realise that no one plans to.
Flectere si nequeo superos, Acheronta movebo.
Conclusion
This book is definitely one of my favorite books I've read this year. And I'm very grateful for the ARC. I normally don't read horror, so this was definitely a first for me. I do not regret it at all. I can recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a book with a dark setting, morally grey characters, queer characters, religious trauma, monsters, and a corrupt university with dangerous trials.
Trigger Warnings.
Homophobia (internalised, slurs,..), substance abuse, classism, religious trauma, gore, death, violence, body horror, suicide, ableism, physical and mental abuse.
a very well-deserved 4.5 stars
I received an ARC of The Teras Trials in exchange for an honest review.
Worldbuilding
Burr was able to create a dark, dystopian England, where monsters ravage England and safety is only found within London's city walls. You can earn your place of safety by entering the University and graduating one of four Mantles: Scholar, Healer, Hunter, or Artificer. Each one serves an important purpose. The most rare and most needed Mantle are Hunters who are trained to hunt and kill these monsters. These monsters called 'Teras' are taken from Roman and Greek mythology. So far it had been enough for one family member to graduate the University to secure the place in London, but due to the rising overpopulation, London wants to get rid of anyone who is 'more of a burden than help'. Therefore there is an Open Call for not only Londoners but also outsiders.
Plot
This book is narrated in first person by Cassius Jones. A snarky, smart, and traumatised teenager about to enter University. His family wasn't born in London, they only got a spot after Thaddeus got into University and graduated. Thaddeus is dead-set on Cassius choosing the Mantle Hunter, as if Cassius were to become a good Hunter, London couldn't afford the kick him and his family out. The admission trials are a well-guarded secret that nobody but the graduates know about. Cassius only knows that these trials changed his brother forever. We follow Cassius and his (not quite) friends as they try to get through the trials and make it out alive.
The ending, oh the ending had me at the edge of my seat. I need the second book. Right now.
Writing
I really loved the writing. Normally, I prefer third person but Burr managed to tell this story so intimately. Cassius' voice was exactly what this book needed. It was a perfect mix of cynicism, humor, and gutwrenching self-hatred and guilt. The choice to tell this story in first person was definitely the right one. The descent from Cassius Jones from a righteous compassionate man to a ruthless, deeply scarred man was... chef's kiss. And there were just a few sentences that just hit right. Burr definitely knows how to use words to invoke feelings, let them be positive or negative.
[
I'd like to think she came out here to wait for me, but we both know the wrong brother is returning.
(hide spoiler)]
Characters
Cassius' physical and mental journey was very interesting. The guilt and self-hate were relatable, though not overbearingly or too depressing. He is definitely a likeable complex character with enough edges and a surprisingly high body count. What I loved most though, was his complicated relationship with his brother Thaddeus (because complex sibling relationships are my jam). This book does not shy away to paint characters in more than one colour. None of these characters are entirely good or entirely evil.
Another part of Cassius' journey was his internalised homophobia and self-hatred fuled by his religious belief. There were many parts that I could relate to and it was so heartbreaking.
And I don't think I can admit it's a sin. Certainly not when the act is tender, but also not when it's rough, debasing. It's all love. It's all love for my body. Perhaps I don't feel guilty for what I do. Perhaps I feel guilty because it is expected.
[To see the early signs of Cassius' anger and later him more and more growing an understanding of what became of his brother... heartbreaking. I was in tears when Thaddeus died and his last words were no words of affection or a last confession: Huter. It says so much about the world, his character, about everything. (hide spoiler)]
Moving on to our first recruit of Cassius' group: Leo Shaw is a character that is easy to love but difficult to know. Somehow, Burr managed to convince me that I know him. I was a fool, because as Cassius said himself, we don't know him at all.
I realised it the frist day we came here--he was using me for information, perhaps is still using me, like I know more than what I've told him--and I think I forgot about that. I saw his desire and his niceness and believed for a moment it might be more than something physical. He is telling me now, almost outright, that Leo Shaw will always come first.
That made him all the more intruiging. Leo was the one who kept it together until the end, a few outbursts here and there, but overall he seemed the most stable. He doesn't talk about his family or his past. We do know that he doesn't shy away using people for his own advantage and even leaving people behind if it means he can save himself.
And he is unhinged. I'm not only talking about "I am ready to let our roommates die to save my own ass" unhinged, I am also talking about "let me give you a handjob in the confessional while I confess my sins to the priest" unhinged.
[I shouldn't expect any less from a man who saw Cassius' brother with his organs in his hands, one step away from a mental breakdown and said:
"I'm sorry."
"Are you?"
"One less hunter means more teras." (hide spoiler)]
Thaddeus Jones is, at first glance, an apathetic, vicious, and violent older brother who is enjoying the position he holds in his family a little too much.
Some of that joy is innocent; I know my brother is glad for the knowledge, the lessons on how to defend himself, and I remember hearing Thaddeus crying in relief the night of his graduation, guranteeing our safety in London so long as he was a practising Hunter. But the darker side is that Thaddeus loves the glory. The power he has over our family.
The little time we get to spend with Thaddeus and how the book uses him throughout the rest of this book was amazing. Specifically the last 'twist' we get does 'redeem' him a little more in my eyes. I am in love with what Burr did with these two characters.
We share the trauma of being the sons of Mr and Mrs Jones. There is no one else in this world who understands.
[When Cassius found out that his brother really did leave him the note to protect him. That he tried to protect his brother one last time. That it wasn't him who burned it. Mah heart. Breaking. (hide spoiler)]
The twins Fred and Silas Lin were winning me over with their sweet, sweet bond. The utter love they shared for each other. I wish we would've seen more of them. Specifically Silas, who was more reserved and quiet most of the time. I grew fond of Fred especially over the last hundred pages or so.
"I want," she says, "to live happily."
"Well, that's nice. But it's a pipe dream. The closest you'll get to that is here."
Fred makes a noise. "If we stay, we'll only be their fodder. You ever seen an old Hunter?"
Frustraded, Silas groans out, "Then declares something else!"
"But it's the only thing I'm good at!"
Next one is Bellamy Taylor. Oh Bellamy... he's a tough one. He is a smug, arrogant Londoner with a hot temper.
["Let her go," I say--plainly, because I'm surprised at him, surprised that he isn't listening to a woman he claims to love. (hide spoiler)]
It took some time getting used to him and I blame him that it took me almost half the book to warm up to Victoria. This book gives him two good memorable moments where I actually did feel for him.
[1. The scene where he is breaking down and realising that the University was actually not that good as he always thought. And 2. His death scene. Him begging for Cassius to save him... I didn't cry but there sure was a lump in my throat. (hide spoiler)]
Victoria Zaki is the last one of the group and was definitely tainted by my neutral stance on/my dislike of Bellamy. She was born outside of London as well, though she was able to adjust more to the life there as her family came to London when she was six. She wants to be a Healer.
One of Burr's strength is to create complex characters, not always likeable, but interesting. That includes characters like Peter Drike, the Dean, and a few side characters that we only meet briefly but who manage to pull you farther into this world.
Romance
This book is by no means a romance, more a book with a romance subplot. There are quite a few explicit/spicy scenes but the romance never takes the spotlight for too long. It wouldn't have made sense otherwise. Cassius knows what's at stake and the few scenes we do get are very good.
"Are you a godly man?"
He leans himself against one of the courtyard pillars. A little breeze moves through his hair. "For you, I could be," he whispers.
Leo and Cassius have great chemistry from the first time they meet. Burr manages to put in enough romantic scenes to make me invested but not too much to distract from the main plot or from the fact that they all are literally fighting every day to survive.
To Sum It Up
Where we started: I'm not here for me. I am here for my family. Cassius Jones is not a person. Cassius Jones is a means to an end. Another piec eon the board.
How it's going: If I cannot bend Heaven, then I shall move Hell. I am not doing this for anyone but myself. Not for Leo Shaw. Not for the soft heat of his lips against mine. But for Cassius Jones. Because, by God, I want to live.
Honorable Mentions (spoilers ahead)
I can't blame God, who has abandoned me, or from whom I have strayed. There is only Cassius Jones to blame.
I turn on my heel and walk before anyone can stop me. Or before I can realise that no one plans to.
Flectere si nequeo superos, Acheronta movebo.
Conclusion
This book is definitely one of my favorite books I've read this year. And I'm very grateful for the ARC. I normally don't read horror, so this was definitely a first for me. I do not regret it at all. I can recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a book with a dark setting, morally grey characters, queer characters, religious trauma, monsters, and a corrupt university with dangerous trials.
Trigger Warnings.
Homophobia (internalised, slurs,..), substance abuse, classism, religious trauma, gore, death, violence, body horror, suicide, ableism, physical and mental abuse.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Violence, Sexual content, Religious bigotry, Death, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Drug abuse, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Homophobia, Grief, Suicide attempt, Blood, Body horror, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Alcohol, Ableism, Classism, Addiction, Toxic relationship, and Vomit
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