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adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
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
This is one of the easiest 5 star ratings I have given in a long time. I was so resistant to reading this series because it came onto the scene and was instantly popular. I have read too many books that reached extreme popularity as soon as they were released and found them disappointing, so I didn't really want to give this one a chance. I was browsing my library's online collection (yay libraries!) to find my next read and this one was recommended. I was in a real slump and didn't know what I wanted to read, figured - if I hate it, I can ditch it right off and no money lost, and if I like it I can assess whether to purchase the book or just continue reading it through the library. Well, long story short, I went out and purchased the entire series on the merits of this book alone (hopefully, this series won't be like some where books one and two and fantastic and three falls apart.)
Okay. Now that I have unnecessarily explained getting into the book, time for me to unpack everything I digested on read one (because I know I will definitely do another reading and soon). There will be spoilers ahead.
Firstly, I appreciated the trigger warning at the beginning of the book. Knowing what I was getting into before it started allowed me to set up my frame of mind to better appreciate the story. That being said, I expected more swearing, violence, and sex based on what I have heard of the book and the trigger warning - so I guess it did its job!
Overall, the characters are stunning. Every character fit the narrative and were multi-dimensional. And, bonus, no long-suffering wall-flowers to be seen (at least not once the initial purging of candidates and cadets happened.
Violet Sorrengail: She is strong and not in any typical way. She isn't already muscular or fit, she is highly breakable and that <i>never goes away</i>. That flaw is so important to who Violet is throughout the entire story and builds into the rider she becomes. She had to learn to work through pain at a young age, so she has built her strength around that, around the ability to push through discomfort and pain in order to reach her goal. She is also strong of mind and was never ashamed of it, just tried to hide it to avoid drawing attention. She never once backed down from a fight, just learned how to lay the odds in her favor. Why work harder when a little pre-planning can do the work instead? A strategic mind is something that often gets left out, especially of female protagonists, which leads me to my next point.
Violet is <i>not</i> your typical female protagonist. She doesn't simper or whine over the men in her life. She realizes her feelings and instead of throwing herself at the man, she resists. And when she has her moment with Dain on the flight field, she doesn't go back and forth between him and Xaden, she knows Dain is not the man for her. Yarros took the "love triangle" and stood it on its ear. Yes, she is a sexual woman, but that doesn't define her. Yes, she falls in love with the "wrong guy" but she is fully aware of her feelings and take ownership of them going so far as to tell Xaden that he doesn't get to dictate to her who she is allowed to love. She is a fantastic role model and feminist icon! Soft when she needs to be, but ruthlessly in control of her own life and decisions.
Xaden Riorson: Nearly everyone I know that has read this book has wild fantasies about Xaden because he is the dark, brooding, handsome man who is bad for Violet in every way. And while he is all those things, Yarros did such a great job developing his feelings and pure motivation, even though he is painted as the villain. He played a part and put on an act, but from the start there was the distinct impression that he knows that the sins of the father (or mother in Violet's case) are not the sins of the child (and the reveal at the end really hammers that idea home). Xaden did everything to keep Violet from getting hurt - in the wrong ways many times, but his motives were true. He was up front with Violet the whole way, telling her not to fall for him because it was dangerous to do so, that he has secrets that must be kept safe, that he wasn't quick to trust. He is a beautifully flawed, yet honest man.
As his walls come down and his secrets come out, you cannot help but love him. Xaden carries a burden on his shoulders that no one should have to bare and he knows his every move is calculated in order to keep those he loves and cares about alive. He won't put anyone at risk if he is not willing to take it on himself. Xaden is a leader, not just because of his charisma, but because of his priorities.
Tairn, Andarna, and Sgaeyl: Who couldn't love these three? Obviously we get the most information about Tairn and Andarna because they are the two in Violet's mind, but you can't consider the two of them without Sgaeyl. This beautiful adopted family is everything. Tairn's protectiveness of Andarna is in perfect juxtaposition to his outward grumpiness. I love that Tairn throws his weight around with the other dragons and their riders - you can tell that dragon hierarchy and human hierarchy do not necessarily match and it's pretty well understood. Unless you want to get fried - don't argue with the dragons! The growth and love these three have for each other and their riders is so obvious in the way they communicate and look out for each other. I so look forward to seeing how they continue to develop as characters and players in this story.
Dain Aetos: I think Dain is trying to do good but is so blinded by the propaganda and the history the Navarrians were taught that he doesn't know how to look beyond. He clearly was raised in a household where Navarre's military might was strong and he was likely raised not to question orders, no matter what. It was a really garbage thing he did betraying Violet's trust, but I have to believe he did it because he thought he was acting in what he believed was the best interest of his people. And, I am sure time (and the next book) will tell me if this is true, but it breaks my heart to think of him as an absolute pawn.
Liam: Liam was quickly my favorite character. He always wore his heart on his sleeve and was the most genuine character in Basgiath. He knew exactly who his friends were and loved them anyway. And even though he lived with a sense of duty towards Xaden, you could tell he did what Xaden asked because he wanted to, not because he felt like he had to. Xaden was his brother, and just like most siblings, they would do anything for each other. I won't forgive Yarros for her decision regarding Liam, but I understand the necessity of what she did. To quote season 5, episode 21 of MASH, "War isn’t Hell. War is war, and Hell is Hell. And of the two, war is a lot worse," and Liam was a prime example of that reality.
The Other Riders: Imogen, Ridoc, Rhi, Sawyer, Garrick, Bodhi, and on and on - Yarros peopled this world brilliantly. She inserted characters with many different backgrounds and experiences without making it feel forced or intentional. These supporting characters provided depth to the war college and an outlet for the main characters. Even the commanding officers and professors had real presence in the story and moved things along. Violet's mother is powerful and a terrible mother and I am hoping we learn more about her later. Revealing the limits of Megren's powers in regards to the marked-ones - brilliant!
I enjoyed how Yarros brought Navarre to life through Violet's lens. We learned about the world as she learned about the world. I never felt like I was left out of something important in regards to the college or the continent. Having Violet train as a scribe before being forced into the Rider's Quadrant was a beautiful way to ensure she and the reader had the knowledge they needed to understand what was happening. Yarros also did an excellent job showing instead of telling her story. Yarros has three distinct groups of people (plus the rebels) that she is incorporating into the story and it feels like she fully understands who these people are. I can't wait to explore their depths soon!
Okay. Now that I have unnecessarily explained getting into the book, time for me to unpack everything I digested on read one (because I know I will definitely do another reading and soon). There will be spoilers ahead.
Firstly, I appreciated the trigger warning at the beginning of the book. Knowing what I was getting into before it started allowed me to set up my frame of mind to better appreciate the story. That being said, I expected more swearing, violence, and sex based on what I have heard of the book and the trigger warning - so I guess it did its job!
Overall, the characters are stunning. Every character fit the narrative and were multi-dimensional. And, bonus, no long-suffering wall-flowers to be seen (at least not once the initial purging of candidates and cadets happened.
Violet Sorrengail: She is strong and not in any typical way. She isn't already muscular or fit, she is highly breakable and that <i>never goes away</i>. That flaw is so important to who Violet is throughout the entire story and builds into the rider she becomes. She had to learn to work through pain at a young age, so she has built her strength around that, around the ability to push through discomfort and pain in order to reach her goal. She is also strong of mind and was never ashamed of it, just tried to hide it to avoid drawing attention. She never once backed down from a fight, just learned how to lay the odds in her favor. Why work harder when a little pre-planning can do the work instead? A strategic mind is something that often gets left out, especially of female protagonists, which leads me to my next point.
Violet is <i>not</i> your typical female protagonist. She doesn't simper or whine over the men in her life. She realizes her feelings and instead of throwing herself at the man, she resists. And when she has her moment with Dain on the flight field, she doesn't go back and forth between him and Xaden, she knows Dain is not the man for her. Yarros took the "love triangle" and stood it on its ear. Yes, she is a sexual woman, but that doesn't define her. Yes, she falls in love with the "wrong guy" but she is fully aware of her feelings and take ownership of them going so far as to tell Xaden that he doesn't get to dictate to her who she is allowed to love. She is a fantastic role model and feminist icon! Soft when she needs to be, but ruthlessly in control of her own life and decisions.
Xaden Riorson: Nearly everyone I know that has read this book has wild fantasies about Xaden because he is the dark, brooding, handsome man who is bad for Violet in every way. And while he is all those things, Yarros did such a great job developing his feelings and pure motivation, even though he is painted as the villain. He played a part and put on an act, but from the start there was the distinct impression that he knows that the sins of the father (or mother in Violet's case) are not the sins of the child (and the reveal at the end really hammers that idea home). Xaden did everything to keep Violet from getting hurt - in the wrong ways many times, but his motives were true. He was up front with Violet the whole way, telling her not to fall for him because it was dangerous to do so, that he has secrets that must be kept safe, that he wasn't quick to trust. He is a beautifully flawed, yet honest man.
As his walls come down and his secrets come out, you cannot help but love him. Xaden carries a burden on his shoulders that no one should have to bare and he knows his every move is calculated in order to keep those he loves and cares about alive. He won't put anyone at risk if he is not willing to take it on himself. Xaden is a leader, not just because of his charisma, but because of his priorities.
Tairn, Andarna, and Sgaeyl: Who couldn't love these three? Obviously we get the most information about Tairn and Andarna because they are the two in Violet's mind, but you can't consider the two of them without Sgaeyl. This beautiful adopted family is everything. Tairn's protectiveness of Andarna is in perfect juxtaposition to his outward grumpiness. I love that Tairn throws his weight around with the other dragons and their riders - you can tell that dragon hierarchy and human hierarchy do not necessarily match and it's pretty well understood. Unless you want to get fried - don't argue with the dragons! The growth and love these three have for each other and their riders is so obvious in the way they communicate and look out for each other. I so look forward to seeing how they continue to develop as characters and players in this story.
Dain Aetos: I think Dain is trying to do good but is so blinded by the propaganda and the history the Navarrians were taught that he doesn't know how to look beyond. He clearly was raised in a household where Navarre's military might was strong and he was likely raised not to question orders, no matter what. It was a really garbage thing he did betraying Violet's trust, but I have to believe he did it because he thought he was acting in what he believed was the best interest of his people. And, I am sure time (and the next book) will tell me if this is true, but it breaks my heart to think of him as an absolute pawn.
Liam: Liam was quickly my favorite character. He always wore his heart on his sleeve and was the most genuine character in Basgiath. He knew exactly who his friends were and loved them anyway. And even though he lived with a sense of duty towards Xaden, you could tell he did what Xaden asked because he wanted to, not because he felt like he had to. Xaden was his brother, and just like most siblings, they would do anything for each other. I won't forgive Yarros for her decision regarding Liam, but I understand the necessity of what she did. To quote season 5, episode 21 of MASH, "War isn’t Hell. War is war, and Hell is Hell. And of the two, war is a lot worse," and Liam was a prime example of that reality.
The Other Riders: Imogen, Ridoc, Rhi, Sawyer, Garrick, Bodhi, and on and on - Yarros peopled this world brilliantly. She inserted characters with many different backgrounds and experiences without making it feel forced or intentional. These supporting characters provided depth to the war college and an outlet for the main characters. Even the commanding officers and professors had real presence in the story and moved things along. Violet's mother is powerful and a terrible mother and I am hoping we learn more about her later. Revealing the limits of Megren's powers in regards to the marked-ones - brilliant!
I enjoyed how Yarros brought Navarre to life through Violet's lens. We learned about the world as she learned about the world. I never felt like I was left out of something important in regards to the college or the continent. Having Violet train as a scribe before being forced into the Rider's Quadrant was a beautiful way to ensure she and the reader had the knowledge they needed to understand what was happening. Yarros also did an excellent job showing instead of telling her story. Yarros has three distinct groups of people (plus the rebels) that she is incorporating into the story and it feels like she fully understands who these people are. I can't wait to explore their depths soon!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, War
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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
Violet is a fantastic main character. As a YA protagonist, she leans into modern slang and often over-explains scenes. She gets caught up in silly drama, such as jealousy and social awkwardness, even when more significant issues are at stake. Like why are you thinking about sex when you're going to die if you dont get a signet or you can't stay on your dragon But even with all that, I still root for her.
"there is no me without you" The romance is ok, but I wouldn’t call it enemies-to-lovers. It feels more like a Romeo and Juliet setup. The children of enemies are caught between family loyalty and forbidden attraction rather than hatred of each other. There's also a love triangle with a childhood friend.
Some of the fake words and names have inconsistent pronunciations, which pulled me out of the story now and then. And while the foreshadowing makes a few twists easy to predict, the book still strikes a solid balance between world-building, character dynamics, and high-stakes action. You’re never quite sure when a side character might die or when a new power will shift the odds. There was always just enough mystery to keep me hooked. I found myself wanting more from the world beyond Violet’s immediate story, and I’m hoping the next book digs deeper into the world and the characters around her.
That said, the last 30% stumbles. The writing slides between awkward smut and random problems that Violet either ignores until they explode or that conveniently disappear without real payoff. Definitely fun, but a flawed read. I’m curious to see where the series goes.
"there is no me without you" The romance is ok, but I wouldn’t call it enemies-to-lovers. It feels more like a Romeo and Juliet setup. The children of enemies are caught between family loyalty and forbidden attraction rather than hatred of each other. There's also a love triangle with a childhood friend.
Some of the fake words and names have inconsistent pronunciations, which pulled me out of the story now and then. And while the foreshadowing makes a few twists easy to predict, the book still strikes a solid balance between world-building, character dynamics, and high-stakes action. You’re never quite sure when a side character might die or when a new power will shift the odds. There was always just enough mystery to keep me hooked. I found myself wanting more from the world beyond Violet’s immediate story, and I’m hoping the next book digs deeper into the world and the characters around her.
That said, the last 30% stumbles. The writing slides between awkward smut and random problems that Violet either ignores until they explode or that conveniently disappear without real payoff. Definitely fun, but a flawed read. I’m curious to see where the series goes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Chronic illness, Blood, Abandonment
Moderate: Sexual content, Violence, Vomit, Grief, Medical trauma, Murder, Toxic friendship, War
Minor: Death, Drug use, Death of parent, Gaslighting
Got tired of characters dying just as I got to know them. The writing style was also a bit repetitive and immature.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is absolutely ridiculous - and I couldn’t put it down.
Violet is your classic annoying “She’s all that” lead : supposedly fragile and nerdy but actually stunning, brilliant, kind, and inexplicably the best at everything. Two of the hottest guys at the quadrant want her. Oh, and did I mention two dragons choose her too? Something that’s never happened in history. Subtle? Nah. And I still don’t get why Adarna, while cute, has made the story, since she seems to just be in the way all the time - maybe JUST Adarna or just Tairn would have been fine. But Violet is also kind and honest, and you do find yourself rooting for her.
The steamy scenes are the ridiculous part. Fun at first, but after a while, it starts to feel more like soft-core fantasy - although hello Xaden(!). Still, the world is super compelling, the pacing is great, and the story totally sucked me in.
I rolled my eyes the whole time… and already ordered the sequel. So yeah…🤷♀️
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Violence
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
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:
No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Violence, Blood, War
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Okay, I have OPINIONS about this book, but they're spoilery, mostly. My understanding is that it's gotten a lot of hype for having very forthright sex scenes, and for lots of grisly violence. Which, yes, there was both of those things.
I appreciated the action and battle scenes and the worldbuilding, especially around the dragons. After some initial reluctance, I basically couldn't put this down. Even though there are some tropes I don't love.
Was it worth the hype? I have no idea.
Am I going to read the next one? Yeah.
Given the fact that this ended on a plot twist I did NOT see coming, and a cliffhanger (I don't consider that a spoiler), I am definitely going to grab the next one.
I appreciated the action and battle scenes and the worldbuilding, especially around the dragons. After some initial reluctance, I basically couldn't put this down. Even though there are some tropes I don't love.
Was it worth the hype? I have no idea.
Am I going to read the next one? Yeah.
Given the fact that this ended on a plot twist I did NOT see coming, and a cliffhanger (I don't consider that a spoiler), I am definitely going to grab the next one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence
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:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I had no idea of what to expect when going in to read this book and now that I am finished, I can say it deserves all of the hype it’s gotten. It gives off a grown up “Harry Potter” vibe but with dragons, violence, and of course romance. I could not put this book down and commonly found myself shocked after reading each chapter. Violet and Xaden are both characters that you fall in love with and get completely engrossed in their world. Overall an amazing book and I cannot wait to read the next book!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Bullying, Death, Gore, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, War, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The set up and premise of the book is pretty interesting but, for me, it gets drowned out by some...choices: Confusing modern dialogue, voice, and a writing style that clashes with the setting, flat or completely unlikable characters--I really only liked Liam and look where that got me :')--and a "romance"/smut detour that stalls the momentum of the main plot up until maybe the last 25% of the book when some major revelations come about.
I honestly feel like it would have been more compelling to watch Violet actively uncover leadership's plot to cover up the truth of the 'rebellion' and how Xanden and his crew are aiding the Griffin Flyers. As the book progresses, she has all these clues handed to her and is like "Hm, what ever could that mean?" and then does nothing with the information. It's beyond frustrating. Please miss girl use your brain. Not a single investigative bone in her body.
I did like the dragons and signet powers. I also might read a little bit of the second book to satisfy my curiosity about the cliffhanger...
I did like the dragons and signet powers. I also might read a little bit of the second book to satisfy my curiosity about the cliffhanger...
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Cursing, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
tense
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Sexual content, Violence, Blood
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
I was so nervous heading into this one because it seems like the verdict is very love it or hate it, and I'm glad to say I am shocked by how much I loved this book as well as the second and third ones!
The plot is so entertaining and exciting, and the book has such an eclectic cast of amazing characters that all really play a role in moving the plot along, even if they're only there for a short scene. The way the plot twists are written truly leaves you in shock and there are so many things you just won't see coming, especially as you try to learn who Violet can or cannot trust.
This has easily and quickly become one of my favorite series, and I'm glad my TBR is long enough to keep me patient for Book 4!
Trigger warnings for murder, death, violence, blood and war, as well as swearing and some spicy, but consensual, scenes.
The plot is so entertaining and exciting, and the book has such an eclectic cast of amazing characters that all really play a role in moving the plot along, even if they're only there for a short scene. The way the plot twists are written truly leaves you in shock and there are so many things you just won't see coming, especially as you try to learn who Violet can or cannot trust.
This has easily and quickly become one of my favorite series, and I'm glad my TBR is long enough to keep me patient for Book 4!
Trigger warnings for murder, death, violence, blood and war, as well as swearing and some spicy, but consensual, scenes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Violence, Blood, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual content, War
Minor: Ableism