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nytephoenyx's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I both really enjoyed and was disappointed by Warcross.
I like video game related books. I was excited to pick up Warcross and it’s been on my TBR wishlist for a while. The world, the backstory, the tech? It’s all on point. I really liked it. You know what I didn’t like? The romance.
I can’t talk about the romance too much because it would be a spoiler BUT I will say that there was an emotional relationship between Emi and the individual that would have motivation her actions well enough without adding a romantic relationship to the mix. Particularly one that I didn’t believe for a moment. Between the length of time the book covers, the difference in social classes, and the difference of power, I had a lot of problems with the romance.
The romance took valuable time away that Emi could have spent with her Warcross team. I would have loved to get to know the Phoenixes better at the surface, they were far more interesting than another recycled love story.
Lu builds a couple levels of plot in Warcross. There are various things at stake – the competition, Emika’s survival both physically and economically, completing her bounty. From the very beginning of the book, while Lu is still revealing Emi’s character, there are established relationships. While the world isn’t as interesting, the time we have in New York has the best characterization because it wasn’t just… tossed aside. Her separate worlds are interesting, both in Warcross and Emi’s personal experience. This world is well-developed and interesting.
Listen, as a whole, I enjoyed the book. I’m really really hoping that book two steps down the romance instead of focusing on Emi being morally torn. I’ll read Wild Card. But every time the romantic scenes came up, I kept thinking to myself… “This! This is why I dislike the way romance overrules the plot!!!”.
Really the plot was interesting, the tech was fabulous. The turn of a dystopian world is always great. I’m just super bothered by the romance. I’ll get over it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Minor: Addiction
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