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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
tense
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
I expected so much more. The world is rich and complex, and the premise has so much potential but I can’t say if I’ll be reaching for the sequel.
The characters are often two dimensional (even for a YA novel), and the amount of reiteration and straight up repetition was very frustrating to read (for me, at least.) My biggest complaints are literally just character names. How are there clearly complex cultural systems leading to regional naming traditions and then you have Storme? And Lar? And Crier? I am confusion.
Tl;dr - if you can aggressively suspend disbelief in the face of Crier (GASP) crying, and Ayla’s internal monologues, and you’re craving a truly teenage romance… then read away!
The characters are often two dimensional (even for a YA novel), and the amount of reiteration and straight up repetition was very frustrating to read (for me, at least.) My biggest complaints are literally just character names. How are there clearly complex cultural systems leading to regional naming traditions and then you have Storme? And Lar? And Crier? I am confusion.
Tl;dr - if you can aggressively suspend disbelief in the face of Crier (GASP) crying, and Ayla’s internal monologues, and you’re craving a truly teenage romance… then read away!
For me personally, I wanted something more mature, but at the end of the day, this is YA
YOOOO THIS HAS TO BE ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS IVE READ THIS YEAR IF NOT JN MY WHOLE LIFE I CANNOT WAIT FOR IRON HEART TO ARRIVE SKALSVSKSHDKD ENEMIES TO LOVERS SAPPHICS WE LOVE YOU
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
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
The concept for the world was interesting and the plot was engaging, but the characters weren't developed well and didn't pull me in. There was too much telling instead of showing. A lot of things weren't explained, for example the characters say "gods" and "stars and skies" but we never find out about the religious system or what those things mean to them. The worldbuilding also wasn't so strong. It felt cliché and just wasn't written well. I might read the second book just to find out what happens, but I don't think I'll put myself through that.
emotional
mysterious
tense
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:
Yes
Summary:
In the kingdom of Rabu, the Automae, human-created machines designed to be emotionless and logical, have seized power from their creators. Lady Crier, the created daughter of Sovereign Hesod, is an Automae who begins to question her purpose and autonomy thanks to an arranged marriage to another Automae, especially as she starts experiencing emotions, something she’s not supposed to be capable of.
Ayla, a human servant whose family was killed by Automae, secretly works for the human resistance. She infiltrates the palace with the mission to assassinate Crier. However, as Ayla spends more time with Lady Crier, she finds herself conflicted, drawn to the very Automae she was meant to destroy.
The good
The good
- I really liked the concept and the world building. It felt unique.
- The 2 main characters felt distinct with their own motivations, strengths and weaknesses. They both discover the plot in their own separate ways and had miscommunications when they did speak to each other. That made it feel more realistic.
- I listened to the audiobook - It was well written and narrated.
- I really liked Crier and enjoyed her working through her feelings for Ayla.
The bad:
- There were some plot holes for me and I'm confused on the details of the Made. This is likely intentionally vague.
- I wish there was more "romance" in this book, but that is probably for the second book.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes