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izzys_internet_bookshelf's review against another edition
3.0
3/5
I really enjoyed this book, but I wasn’t fully able to process it thanks to how tired I feel.. joy
I really enjoyed this book, but I wasn’t fully able to process it thanks to how tired I feel.. joy
amybraunauthor's review against another edition
4.0
A book perfect for anyone looking for an adventurous escape. The story is pretty straight forward but adds some twists that make for an engaging read. The race is filled with traps and enemies that kept things exciting for poor, exhausted Astrid. There were plenty of twists that I didn't expect, especially near the end.
Though the race and the quick pacing of the action didn't leave a whole lot of room for character development, I did enjoy Astrid's determination and focus. She had questionable choices in men, but I think she was a good character choice. I'm not sure how I feel about Darius or any relationship she might have with him, and I definitely did not see enough of Jayden.
The world is interesting but I'm not sure I fully understood the powers or how they were used. I really liked the times they were used in action scenes but I think the details were left a little too far behind. The story had some truly great moments, but some larger ones seemed to be pushed into the background, and the ending just kind of ended.
While it had some flaws, it is generally very well written and is perfect for anyone who just wants an action-flick book to dive into. If you're a fan of the Hunger Games and looking for a book to scratch that itch, this is one to try!
Though the race and the quick pacing of the action didn't leave a whole lot of room for character development, I did enjoy Astrid's determination and focus. She had questionable choices in men, but I think she was a good character choice. I'm not sure how I feel about Darius or any relationship she might have with him, and I definitely did not see enough of Jayden.
The world is interesting but I'm not sure I fully understood the powers or how they were used. I really liked the times they were used in action scenes but I think the details were left a little too far behind. The story had some truly great moments, but some larger ones seemed to be pushed into the background, and the ending just kind of ended.
While it had some flaws, it is generally very well written and is perfect for anyone who just wants an action-flick book to dive into. If you're a fan of the Hunger Games and looking for a book to scratch that itch, this is one to try!
jamiesbookclub's review against another edition
I didn't feel drawn to the ending. Felt like it was following the hunger games trend. Didn't really feel like it was telling its own story. Could there be a juicy third act twist??? Maybe but I don't care.
egurgens's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
mlottermoser's review
adventurous
dark
tense
Punishment for royalty relationship
Deadly race for privilege
Deadly race for privilege
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Injury/Injury detail, and Torture
Moderate: Classism and Bullying
Minor: Death of parent
Whipping boy relationship Deadly relay racealongreader's review
3.0
Shades of The Hunger Games as Astrid runs a dangerous race that might elevate her social standing...or might leave her broken or dead along the way.
I'm so conflicted about this book!
The story is great. The pacing, the characters, the action, all really well done. Astrid's panic on waking in the Race was perfect.
But the more I thought about the story for this review, the less sense it made to me. For instance, the class system. SPOILERS Astrid has magic because she was not inoculated against it as a child. Presumably that's why her brother has it too, although it's never specified. Magic is the only difference between Outsiders and Enhanced, so the Outsiders...just allow their children to be inoculated? Astrid didn't show any surprise when she learned about it. You could maybe argue that only people in the palace know what the inoculation does, but still! The rules weren't explained very thoroughly in the story itself either, I thought.
This is not meant to dissuade you from reading. It's a great adventure story with a good ending, not too cliffhanger, not completely wrapped up. I'd read more in this series.
I'm so conflicted about this book!
The story is great. The pacing, the characters, the action, all really well done. Astrid's panic on waking in the Race was perfect.
But the more I thought about the story for this review, the less sense it made to me. For instance, the class system. SPOILERS Astrid has magic because she was not inoculated against it as a child. Presumably that's why her brother has it too, although it's never specified. Magic is the only difference between Outsiders and Enhanced, so the Outsiders...just allow their children to be inoculated? Astrid didn't show any surprise when she learned about it. You could maybe argue that only people in the palace know what the inoculation does, but still! The rules weren't explained very thoroughly in the story itself either, I thought.
This is not meant to dissuade you from reading. It's a great adventure story with a good ending, not too cliffhanger, not completely wrapped up. I'd read more in this series.