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shalladin's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Hate crime, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Blood, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, and Classism
pnutbutterprincess's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-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? No
4.0
Laia is a Scholar, one of the people who have been conquered and subdued by the militant Martials. When as Martial soldier kills her grandparents and takes her brother from her, leaving her alone, Laia is faced with overcoming her fears in order to save her only remaining family.
She goes undercover as a slave in the military academy, where Elias, a soldier nearing his graduation, is planning his escape to seek a life where he won't have to kill any longer.
I was caught up quickly in the vivid world of the story, finding myself quickly invested in the lives of both Laia and Elias in their struggles against almost inevitable failure. The worldbuilding is well done, it being clear that there is much more than the scope of what is seen in the story, and small glimpses are given of some mythical and magical element to the world, expanding it beyond a warring land of countries and states. Romance and friendship and adventure twist the story into an exciting tale, as Elias and Laia find their paths crossing as should-be enemies but finding no reason to hate each other, rather their goals begin to align as the tension escalates and both are finding themselves in increasing danger in a political state of upheaval and looming conflict.
I hope to see more of the mythical elements coming in the later books, and look forward to seeing more of the diverse and lifelike characters which I really came to like in this first book.
She goes undercover as a slave in the military academy, where Elias, a soldier nearing his graduation, is planning his escape to seek a life where he won't have to kill any longer.
I was caught up quickly in the vivid world of the story, finding myself quickly invested in the lives of both Laia and Elias in their struggles against almost inevitable failure. The worldbuilding is well done, it being clear that there is much more than the scope of what is seen in the story, and small glimpses are given of some mythical and magical element to the world, expanding it beyond a warring land of countries and states. Romance and friendship and adventure twist the story into an exciting tale, as Elias and Laia find their paths crossing as should-be enemies but finding no reason to hate each other, rather their goals begin to align as the tension escalates and both are finding themselves in increasing danger in a political state of upheaval and looming conflict.
I hope to see more of the mythical elements coming in the later books, and look forward to seeing more of the diverse and lifelike characters which I really came to like in this first book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Slavery, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death, Genocide, Sexual assault, and Death of parent
anova's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Rape, Slavery, Violence, Blood, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Torture
tris256's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture
Moderate: Death, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
cozybookseller's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Genocide, Gore, Physical abuse, Rape, Slavery, Blood, Grief, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
aishallnot's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I've had this book on my tbr for the longest time and finally got around to it this year and I think this a pretty decent debut book/series (I was going to give this 3.5 stars but I think this is a solid 4 maybe 4.5).
As someone who is slowly getting back into fantasy I think this could be a great start as this is more action packed rather than fantasy if that makes sense. I was more interested in the former but I'm hoping in the second book we see more of the fantasy elements.
The characters (for the most part) I liked. I think Elias' character was well developed and with Laia I do see that she has potential to grow in the next book or two. Helene I don't really hate tbh bc ik she *might* have some sort of redemption arc, but usually characters like her I wouldn't care for.
I usually struggle to move forward with continuously reading series but I think this left a strong impression on me to start Torch (reserved a copy on hold at my library)!
As someone who is slowly getting back into fantasy I think this could be a great start as this is more action packed rather than fantasy if that makes sense. I was more interested in the former but I'm hoping in the second book we see more of the fantasy elements.
The characters (for the most part) I liked. I think Elias' character was well developed and with Laia I do see that she has potential to grow in the next book or two. Helene I don't really hate tbh bc ik she *might* have some sort of redemption arc, but usually characters like her I wouldn't care for.
I usually struggle to move forward with continuously reading series but I think this left a strong impression on me to start Torch (reserved a copy on hold at my library)!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Violence
Moderate: Rape and Sexual violence
Minor: Blood and War
violetreader's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
It felt like nothing was happening the entire book and all the good stuff I want from a story was happening in the last 50 or so pages.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Sexism, Slavery, Violence, Death of parent, Murder, Sexual harassment, and Classism
Moderate: Child abuse, Rape, Blood, and Abandonment
Minor: Confinement and Abortion
mordshunger's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Ooof.
First: cw slavery apologetics incoming I guess. It's clear there is a full redemption ark coming up for Helen. She may change, but she cannot be excused. I will do my due diligence and continue with this series. If I am wrong, I will come back and delete this. But if I am right, she will continue to be an actual romantic interest, which is frankly disgusting at this point. If he ends up with Helen or even entertains the idea, this is a 1. She is an unforgivable heartless and evil bitch. She really only does good for him, and not because it is right. She would have had a hundred slaves die and sleep like a baby. And buhuhuhu she is so sad that anyone would think she is evil. Her dramatic explanation doesn't actually explain "everything" - her actions and words about slaves and slavery were not necessary for her deal. They were the truth.
Otherwise, loosely in order as I thought while reading:
Pretty standard ya fare, it's okay. It made me laugh in places because everyone is obviously hot, everyone has a distinct mysterious smell, moves with grace, has an indescribable eye colour that shifts with their emotions and so on and so on. Strong debut energy on this one, but as a teenager I wouldn't have minded. Main character has "golden" eyes. It's really laid on thick. MC continuosly gets down on herself about being weak or looking bad and I am quite tired of the projected glow up to a confident and desired warrior hero... Oh lord now it's labour vs management in the resistance.
There is a lot of clumsy exposition and more telling than showing. Familiar set-up and predictable backstory and first act.
It is very important the reader is reminded every few pages how wonderfully slim and attractive the women are. Apart from different wild eye and hair colour combinations, I'd say all women all slender goddesses with sensual curves. Unless they are old and scarred. Good grief.
His chapters are more enjoyable. But - Take a shot every time he calls Helen a "girl" in a derogatory way.
It's a good thing Laia is otherworldly hot, otherwise this book would be hard pressed to make some major plot happen. It appears to be the sole reason for any man interacting with her or helping her.
First: cw slavery apologetics incoming I guess.
Otherwise, loosely in order as I thought while reading:
Pretty standard ya fare, it's okay. It made me laugh in places because everyone is obviously hot, everyone has a distinct mysterious smell, moves with grace, has an indescribable eye colour that shifts with their emotions and so on and so on. Strong debut energy on this one, but as a teenager I wouldn't have minded. Main character has "golden" eyes. It's really laid on thick. MC continuosly gets down on herself about being weak or looking bad and I am quite tired of the projected glow up to a confident and desired warrior hero... Oh lord now it's labour vs management in the resistance.
There is a lot of clumsy exposition and more telling than showing. Familiar set-up and predictable backstory and first act.
It is very important the reader is reminded every few pages how wonderfully slim and attractive the women are. Apart from different wild eye and hair colour combinations, I'd say all women all slender goddesses with sensual curves. Unless they are old and scarred. Good grief.
His chapters are more enjoyable. But - Take a shot every time he calls Helen a "girl" in a derogatory way.
It's a good thing Laia is otherworldly hot, otherwise this book would be hard pressed to make some major plot happen. It appears to be the sole reason for any man interacting with her or helping her.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Blood, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, War, and Injury/Injury detail
darlinglu's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
This was a suprisingly fast-paced book and got me out of my reading slump.
First, I did not expect this book to be dark and I'm not sure if this would be even considered YA given it doesn't beat around the bush when it comes to sensitive topics.
I like both Laia and Elias as characters. I appreciate that Laia, as a character, has insecurities and fears that she wants to surpass through the book. I am hoping for more character development for them, as well as Helene. While I think there is good in her, I believe she mostly only helped Laia because of Elias.
In terms of plot, I think it'll expand more in the next plot, however, a lot of things have aleready happened, there are stoll some unanswered questions.
First, I did not expect this book to be dark and I'm not sure if this would be even considered YA given it doesn't beat around the bush when it comes to sensitive topics.
I like both Laia and Elias as characters. I appreciate that Laia, as a character, has insecurities and fears that she wants to surpass through the book. I am hoping for more character development for them, as well as Helene. While I think there is good in her, I believe she mostly only helped Laia because of Elias.
In terms of plot, I think it'll expand more in the next plot, however, a lot of things have aleready happened, there are stoll some unanswered questions.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Slavery, Violence, Kidnapping, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Physical abuse, Rape, Torture, Blood, Death of parent, Colonisation, and War
shortsweet123's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book is a trip, there’s a lot of intense things that happen. Without spoiling anything I’ll just say that every character in this book suffers in some way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Blood, Murder, and Abandonment