Scan barcode
splitdice'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
4.5
im not a big romantasy person but I still really enjoyed it- that being said I think the romances except for elias and helene did feel quite rushed. I did cry ðŸ˜
lhabib's review against another edition
adventurous
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? It's complicated
3.75
romem_m's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
jescasreading's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
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? It's complicated
5.0
chocolatechump's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Child death, Blood, Violence, Slavery, Gore, and Murder
imnotdejah's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
alexandra_ninelives's review against another edition
5.0
Where do I even start? I loved this book a lot more than I thought I would!
Thank you Sabaa Tahir for not making this a typical ya fantasy with zero world-building and a love triangle between two hot guys and a cute tiny girl!
Laia's had a lot of sorrow in her life. The Empire killed her parents, it destroys everything she loves and now they're knocking on her front door for her brother. She cannot let the Empire take the only family she's left so she makes a bargain with the rebels that if she spies on the empire's military academy, they help her get her brother back. Easy peasy, right? Sadly, no.
She has gone through so much in this book, and this is just book one. My heart cannot take this anymore. It will have to regardless because there's no way in hell I'm not reading this series in a couple of weeks back to back.
Elias is the military academy's finest soldier and even more precious soul. I love him with all my heart! He has his baggage, his life hasn't been easy but he's graduating from the academy in a couple of days and then he's free. Or is he?
Laia and Elias both have to face hardships throughout the book to achieve their goals and maybe free themselves and their loved ones of the empire. They go through changes as well, their character development is incredible.
All the side characters have personalities and character development as well. It was refreshing to see.
The chapters are told in two POVs, one from Elias and one is Laia's. The chapters are also written very intentionally to keep you at the edge of your seat and suffer as much as possible while you're reading. I loved every second of this pain though because, in the end, it was worth it.
There was a lot of thought put into world-building. I felt like I live there amongst the suppressed, the soldiers, each and every one of them. I hated, and loved, and cried with them, and suffered so much you all can't even imagine.
I don't think I can say anything that's not been said before... Read this book ASAP!!
Thank you Sabaa Tahir for not making this a typical ya fantasy with zero world-building and a love triangle between two hot guys and a cute tiny girl!
Laia's had a lot of sorrow in her life. The Empire killed her parents, it destroys everything she loves and now they're knocking on her front door for her brother. She cannot let the Empire take the only family she's left so she makes a bargain with the rebels that if she spies on the empire's military academy, they help her get her brother back. Easy peasy, right? Sadly, no.
She has gone through so much in this book, and this is just book one. My heart cannot take this anymore. It will have to regardless because there's no way in hell I'm not reading this series in a couple of weeks back to back.
Elias is the military academy's finest soldier and even more precious soul. I love him with all my heart! He has his baggage, his life hasn't been easy but he's graduating from the academy in a couple of days and then he's free. Or is he?
Laia and Elias both have to face hardships throughout the book to achieve their goals and maybe free themselves and their loved ones of the empire. They go through changes as well, their character development is incredible.
All the side characters have personalities and character development as well. It was refreshing to see.
The chapters are told in two POVs, one from Elias and one is Laia's. The chapters are also written very intentionally to keep you at the edge of your seat and suffer as much as possible while you're reading. I loved every second of this pain though because, in the end, it was worth it.
There was a lot of thought put into world-building. I felt like I live there amongst the suppressed, the soldiers, each and every one of them. I hated, and loved, and cried with them, and suffered so much you all can't even imagine.
I don't think I can say anything that's not been said before... Read this book ASAP!!