328 reviews for:

War Hour

Lauren Loscig

4.03 AVERAGE

sarahssharedshelf's profile picture

sarahssharedshelf's review

5.0

***I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review***

Calling all ACOTAR and Fourth Wing girlies! You DON'T want to miss this one! I was so happy that I had the opportunity to be an arc reader for this book. It was my intention going into this book that I was really going to take my time to fully dissect it. Well, this book had me so addicted and in such a trance, that my intentions went out the window. I cannot begin to tell you how good this book was. It was exciting and addicting from start to finish. I literally couldn't put it down!!! AND I am quite sad that I have to wait for book 2 to see what happens next!!!

The book moves at a great pace and is heavily plot focused (which I loved) - there is always something happening in every chapter so you will never be bored. I feel that Loscig was descriptive where she needed to be, and didn't waste time over-describing things. It was easy to understand and grasp the world that Loscig was building, and even if you felt there were unanswered questions, you gained more knowledge as the main character, Lysta, gained more knowledge.

The premise of the book was interesting and intriguing. Without giving too much away, I found the concept of the trials and the powers gained from trials to be super exciting, especially as you learn more about them later in the book. It was definitely something that I personally have not seen/read before in my reading journey. The book is also very focused on court politics/political intrigue. It really had me at the edge of my seat questioning what will happen next, who to trust, and how plans will unravel.

My only critique of this book is that I feel that the author could have spent a bit more time talking about Lysta's trial. I feel that there was such a build up, for it to only last a few pages.

Overall, if you like YA fantasy, deadly trials, political intrigue, earned powers, betrayals, and action packed books, then War Hour is for you! This was such a fresh take on YA Fantasy, and I will definitely be purchasing a hard copy for my collection!


adventurous mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Yesssssssssss!!! 
4.5/5 stars

"War Hour" invites readers into a world where a person's powers are earned through perilous Trials that depend upon the different Courts. It sets the stage for a riveting story brimming with suspense and intricate political maneuvering.

At the beginning of the book, Lysta, the main character (who I ADORE), is one of the Untrialed - lower-class citizens of the Court of Valor. Their leader forces his people to be Trialed as punishment and the Untrialed seek to avoid the guard by any means necessary. Many fall during these perilous Trials. While Trialing grants powers, those who pass or fail never return - including Lysta's parents and sister. Reluctantly embroiled in the Trials, Lysta finds herself embroiled in the Courts and hopes to save her people with the help of Torryn, the lord of another Court.

Torryn exhibits stoicism and a sense of honor reminiscent of compelling personalities like Rip from "Plated Prisoner" or Luther from "The Kindred's Curse Saga." He is a supposed 'villain' with a guarded demeanor and hidden motives. His intentions are shrouded in secrecy, but he appears to have noble intentions. I am SO curious about him, his past, and his Court.

There are so many surprising turns and betrayals, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with unforeseen twists. Loscig deftly weaves a captivating tapestry of relationships and alliances, crafting a romantically infused fantasy that will enthrall my fellow romantasy fans.

This has a blend of engaging characters and a fascinating magic system. For those seeking an immersive and absorbing read, Loscig's work promises an enjoyable journey. I NEED the second book immediately.

Thank you to the author and Book of Matches Media for the eARC. This is an honest review and all opinions are my own.

maizy_ally's review

4.5
tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
adventurous emotional tense medium-paced

it felt fairly predictable but the worldbuilding was alright. i enjoyed the concept of the trials. pretty good for a debut novel, just wasn’t really in the mood for it i guess. 
i received a free arc for an honest review :)
adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: N/A
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Kill the fear to free the innocent.

Would you risk your life to save others suffering at the hands of a tyrant or would you hide? A Court held hostage by a power-hungry ruler who forces citizens, as punishment for supposed crimes, to face a Trial that tests their limits, and if they survive it, they earn magical abilities. A young woman fighting to survive on the streets and avoid Trialing at all costs, and the mysterious young Lord who comes to her aide but who she’s unsure she can trust.
It’s the Hunger Games meets Divergent with a fantasy twist - War Hour is an engaging tale that grabs hold and pulls you into an immersive world full of magic, secrecy, political intrigue and betrayal – showing us that evil prevails when good people do nothing and it takes one person standing up for what is right, even if they are standing alone, to spark a change that will spread like wildfire.

I DEVOURED this story in one sitting and I was so sad when it ended! Its been a while since I’ve read a book that has pulled me into its world and kept me on the edge of my seat. I felt like I was right alongside the characters throughout their journey. Lauren has created a world that I want to re-visit, and characters I want to watch grow. I'm excited for the next book in The Broken Trials series!
jamthespread's profile picture

jamthespread's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 0%

2 stars
I got an eARC of this book and I’m soft DNFing it for now. 
The first thing is the grammatical errors. So many misplaced commas and confusing dialogue. I can only hope this gets fixed in the final copy. 
Also, it get really confusing once the plot starts kicking up. I think this has most to do with the pacing, which was…interesting. The text would literally say “a week later” right after a big chunk that took place over a couple days. 
Overall it felt like so little happened in so much text, and yet so little at the same time. 
Another thing- it seems like the two love interests are a young heir around the same age as the mc, or a mysterious guy who seems young for his role, but much older than the mc. 
adventurous emotional tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
adventurous challenging mysterious tense fast-paced
emotional inspiring tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes

Got the chance to read an ARC

"War is coming, and it will not confine itself to an hour."

Oh wow what a story! I need the next part ASAP! I could barely choose a quote for the review, there were SO MANY amazing ones. 

I love the magic system of earning your magic and how they were tied in to the courts and the users themselves. 

The twists were twisting so good and I was happy to have been suspicious of the right people. 

I was so happy to see how strong Lysta grew, standing her ground and doing whatever she can. And the amounts of heartbreak I went through? ILLEGAL. 💔

Torryn is my type of broody guy, but damn I get frustrated when he won't tell things straight up (I swear he has his reasons BUT TELL ME YOUR REASONS ALREADY)

brittnichole_xx's profile picture

brittnichole_xx's review

4.0
adventurous mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot