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kimily's review against another edition
4.0
This book is well-written. I enjoyed the story and characters very much, and would like to read more stories set in this world.
naomiysl's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I love a good end-times setup, and I love the grownups are lying liars trope. The magic is cool (though not well explained) and I very much enjoy a world with magic in it where our main character isn't magical. Thw writing is compelling, as well. Where this falls apart is in the conclusion, which is to say that the climax should, I feel, be either more climactic or wrap up more ends, or both. I also feel like the budding romance is extraneous and unnecessary, but it is sweet so I guess it's ok. A very interesting world that I would love to spend more time in, with a bit of a weak finish.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Child death
jordan_booknooksisters's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.0
mathildur's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
3.25
A very fun middle-grade fantasy mystery! I enjoyed the world-building but at the same time I found the story a little unbelievable. Most likely because I am way older than the intended audience.
salesbooks's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
2.5
critter's review against another edition
4.0
Vittoria believes that it is the last place in the world with people. They are trapped in their walls by creatures known by the ferox who were created to hunt and destroy anyone they come across. Octavia accidently stays outside the walls too long and is saved from nearly getting killed by a stranger. Her entire view of the world gets turned upside down when she decides to help this stranger find her family.
The magic system was intriguing and the world building was rich in detail. The few other places filled with people that we get to see were very interesting. The characters were all well developed. The main characters have to struggle against the systems and fears that were put in place to do what is right. The feroxes were very interesting creatures that brought a lot of tenseness to the plot. The plot is tense and gripping. Once I really got into the story, I couldn't put it down. I would highly recommend this book to young fantasy readers.
I would like to thank Quirk Books for providing me with a copy.
The magic system was intriguing and the world building was rich in detail. The few other places filled with people that we get to see were very interesting. The characters were all well developed. The main characters have to struggle against the systems and fears that were put in place to do what is right. The feroxes were very interesting creatures that brought a lot of tenseness to the plot. The plot is tense and gripping. Once I really got into the story, I couldn't put it down. I would highly recommend this book to young fantasy readers.
I would like to thank Quirk Books for providing me with a copy.
sunbirdbooks's review against another edition
4.0
An imaginative MG fantasy about xenophobia and how ignorance fuels prejudice, with powerful female protagonists.
robynthereader's review against another edition
5.0
I just devoured this book in less than 24 hours! I'll be honest, I struggle sometimes with middle grade fantasy because I expect it to be perfection, and it so rarely is. Kali WAllace has delivered in spades with this one, however.
I love that this story greys the line between good and evil, keeping readers on their toes as to who is good, who is bad, who you should root for, etc. I love that this created world still feels accessable to younger readers, and it's easy to put yourself in Octavia's place, or Sima's, or any one of the myriad other characters these girls meet.
I can't wait to add this novel to my classroom shelves this fall!
I love that this story greys the line between good and evil, keeping readers on their toes as to who is good, who is bad, who you should root for, etc. I love that this created world still feels accessable to younger readers, and it's easy to put yourself in Octavia's place, or Sima's, or any one of the myriad other characters these girls meet.
I can't wait to add this novel to my classroom shelves this fall!
bardo's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0