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starshynebrite's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide and Violence
Moderate: Rape
ehmannky's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Incredibly captivating and thrilling. I loved every second of it and couldn't put it down.
The book focuses on Laia, a freewoman of the oppressed Scholar people, and Elias, a reluctant solider in the Empire, as they both struggle towards freedom outside of the oppressive and brutal regime. After Laia's brother is arrested for treason and her grandparents are murdered, she is willing to give up everything she has to save him. Elias, struggling to retain a semblance in the humanity, eventually risks it all to help her. That last sentence is like...only a mild spoiler because it's pretty obvious within about 5 minutes of their meeting that he thinks she's the bees knees. The chemistry is strong between them and I haven't felt so much joy in a YA pairing in years (although I could do without the double love triangle that they're both in).
But on a deeper level, I loved what it has to say about courage-that it's not about not being afraid but rather using that fear to your advantage. And it's lessons on guilt are fascinating as well.
Update: This holds up so well to a reread. I was just as invested in the characters, the plots, and I was on the edge of my seat even when I *knew* what was coming. Also, wow, do I hate Keenan. I had forgotten that.
The book focuses on Laia, a freewoman of the oppressed Scholar people, and Elias, a reluctant solider in the Empire, as they both struggle towards freedom outside of the oppressive and brutal regime. After Laia's brother is arrested for treason and her grandparents are murdered, she is willing to give up everything she has to save him. Elias, struggling to retain a semblance in the humanity, eventually risks it all to help her. That last sentence is like...only a mild spoiler because it's pretty obvious within about 5 minutes of their meeting that he thinks she's the bees knees. The chemistry is strong between them and I haven't felt so much joy in a YA pairing in years (although I could do without the double love triangle that they're both in).
But on a deeper level, I loved what it has to say about courage-that it's not about not being afraid but rather using that fear to your advantage. And it's lessons on guilt are fascinating as well.
Update: This holds up so well to a reread. I was just as invested in the characters, the plots, and I was on the edge of my seat even when I *knew* what was coming. Also, wow, do I hate Keenan. I had forgotten that.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Slavery, Genocide, Death, Blood, and Child death
Moderate: Sexual assault and Child abuse
Minor: Sexual violence and Rape
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