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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
I didnt finish this one because although it had a promising start, it became more about the politics surrounding the trials & less about the trials themselves & i immediately stopped reading which was really disappointing.
This book has my heart. It starts out with conflict almost immediately when Lysta finds herself protecting a young child in the market- drawing attention to herself, consequently getting Trialed. Lysta then finds herself at the center of a battle for her people, caught between two ends of the battle. Following Evander or following Torryn.
This book, despite being a debut, has the immersive feeling of experienced writers. The character development was reasonably paced while the plot was fast-paced and made you want to keep reading.
I has picked up at least 4 books prior to picking up this one, that I just could not get into. I was in a MASSIVE reading slump, and this book drew me in, and I could not put it down. I finished it in two days and I cannot wait to see what Ms. Lauren will bring us next!
This book, despite being a debut, has the immersive feeling of experienced writers. The character development was reasonably paced while the plot was fast-paced and made you want to keep reading.
I has picked up at least 4 books prior to picking up this one, that I just could not get into. I was in a MASSIVE reading slump, and this book drew me in, and I could not put it down. I finished it in two days and I cannot wait to see what Ms. Lauren will bring us next!
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
This book was easily a 5 star read! It was engaging from beginning to the end. Felt like I saw some of the twists and turns, but that did not distract from the story.
I loved this book! Lysta is such an amazing character, you see her grow throughout the book and defy all odds when she is being lied to by everyone around her. The betrayer at the end, I personally felt was pretty obvious but that didn’t change the fact that you couldn’t wait to get to the point. I don’t know how I’m going to make it until book 2 comes out
I really liked the book, I was really surprised at all the world building and it wasn’t confusing at all. I enjoyed the descriptions so much, I was a bit tired of all the fantasy worlds with barely any explanations.
The whole don’t trust anyone and betrayal was really good even if I was expecting it. The powers being different for everyone and the trials being actually HARD kept me wondering. I have so many theories and can’t wait for what’s left to come for all the characters.
Hoping we could get more infos on the food and the outfits. Maybe also adding a crowns map with all the names I was confused sometimes.
I just hope that Lysta won’t end up empress of the whole kingdom or having an ACOTAR end. Happy that Cienna is back and actually on the bad guys side. I like bloody family reunion.
The whole don’t trust anyone and betrayal was really good even if I was expecting it. The powers being different for everyone and the trials being actually HARD kept me wondering. I have so many theories and can’t wait for what’s left to come for all the characters.
Hoping we could get more infos on the food and the outfits. Maybe also adding a crowns map with all the names I was confused sometimes.
I just hope that Lysta won’t end up empress of the whole kingdom or having an ACOTAR end. Happy that Cienna is back and actually on the bad guys side. I like bloody family reunion.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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:
No
Book: War Hour by Lauren Loscig
Genre: Young Adult Romantic Fantasy
Spice: 0/5
🩵 Unique magic system
🩵 Earned powers
🩵 Deadly trials
🩵 Political intrigue
🩵 Reluctant allies
🩵 Subtle romance
🩵 “who hurt you”
Lauren Loscig’s War Hour delivers a captivating blend of dystopian fantasy, political intrigue, and subtle romance, set in a world where magic must be earned through deadly Trials. The story follows Lysta, an Untrialed young woman oppressed by a court that mistreats her people. Forced into the Trials, she initially fights to survive but soon becomes determined to save her people and change the world around her.
——————
I absolutely adored the moral twist in the magic system. The idea that magical abilities are earned, not inherited, is fresh, thought-provoking, and executed beautifully. The concept of moral Trials/courts adds depth to the story and uniqueness to the plot that I found incredibly gripping and inspiring.
The pacing was phenomenal— I was hooked from the first chapter and couldn’t put it down. I found myself staying up way too late because I had to know what happened next. Lysta, the fiercely moral and inspiring FMC, is easy to root for, and her journey resonated with me deeply. I loved the way her determination and growth were portrayed. The book explores themes of resilience, sacrifice, and challenging societal norms in a way that is both thought-provoking and thrilling.
THE TWISTS. THE ENDING!! So many unanswered questions that build up the anticipation for the second book— and endless possibilities for future stories in this world, whether with the current characters or new ones. I cannot wait to see where the series goes next!
Genre: Young Adult Romantic Fantasy
Spice: 0/5
🩵 Unique magic system
🩵 Earned powers
🩵 Deadly trials
🩵 Political intrigue
🩵 Reluctant allies
🩵 Subtle romance
🩵 “who hurt you”
Lauren Loscig’s War Hour delivers a captivating blend of dystopian fantasy, political intrigue, and subtle romance, set in a world where magic must be earned through deadly Trials. The story follows Lysta, an Untrialed young woman oppressed by a court that mistreats her people. Forced into the Trials, she initially fights to survive but soon becomes determined to save her people and change the world around her.
——————
I absolutely adored the moral twist in the magic system. The idea that magical abilities are earned, not inherited, is fresh, thought-provoking, and executed beautifully. The concept of moral Trials/courts adds depth to the story and uniqueness to the plot that I found incredibly gripping and inspiring.
The pacing was phenomenal— I was hooked from the first chapter and couldn’t put it down. I found myself staying up way too late because I had to know what happened next. Lysta, the fiercely moral and inspiring FMC, is easy to root for, and her journey resonated with me deeply. I loved the way her determination and growth were portrayed. The book explores themes of resilience, sacrifice, and challenging societal norms in a way that is both thought-provoking and thrilling.
THE TWISTS. THE ENDING!! So many unanswered questions that build up the anticipation for the second book— and endless possibilities for future stories in this world, whether with the current characters or new ones. I cannot wait to see where the series goes next!
If I had one critique, it would be that the world-building could use more development. There are aspects of the world’s history and structure that I’m eager to understand better. That said, since Lysta’s understanding is limited in this first book, it feels intentional and fitting. I trust that the next book will expand on this foundation, and I’m excited to dive deeper into this world as the series continues.
And let’s not forget the physical book itself—it’s absolutely gorgeous! The cover art and under-the-dust-jacket design are stunning. I’m so in love with the aesthetic that I’m buying a second copy just to display both on my bookshelf!
War Hour truly is Red Queen meets Hunger Games, and Divergent— with its own unique and compelling twist. It’s fresh, gripping, and utterly unputdownable. As a debut novel, it sets an impressively high bar, and I’m even more excited to see where Lauren Loscig takes the series— and her writing career— from here. I cannot wait to get my hands on the sequel, Valor Born. If I could time travel to read it now, I would!
I’ll admit, I was a doubter. I almost put this book down to dnf… I gave it a few more chapters and man was I pleasantly surprised. I loved the story, loved the love story, I kinda saw the bad guy coming but it really was great. Can’t wait for the next one!!
First off let me start by saying this book is so good. A fast pace that had me moving right through because I needed to know what happened next.
Now-THIS PART CONTAINS SPOILERS!
This book is amazing right from the very start! Putting you directly into Lysta’s world. The way the magic is earned is so unique. Trials that if passed give magic determined by how you passed.
Initially when Lysta went into the trial she expected to fail and die, considering you are not allowed to talk about it afterwards there is no way to really prepare for it.
The way the story built up while also weaving a web of major surprises is very well written. I could guess a couple of things that were going to happen but not how they would happen. For example the major ending where Thoman tells her about Cenna her sister. I knew her sister would have a big part in this because of how many times she is referenced.
Then that she had to take a second trial?! I can absolutely tell she will be a powerful player in the next books. I can’t wait to see how she grows!
The ending was perfect. Just a great cliffhanger that makes me need the next book immediately.
Now-THIS PART CONTAINS SPOILERS!
This book is amazing right from the very start! Putting you directly into Lysta’s world. The way the magic is earned is so unique. Trials that if passed give magic determined by how you passed.
Initially when Lysta went into the trial she expected to fail and die, considering you are not allowed to talk about it afterwards there is no way to really prepare for it.
The way the story built up while also weaving a web of major surprises is very well written. I could guess a couple of things that were going to happen but not how they would happen. For example the major ending where Thoman tells her about Cenna her sister. I knew her sister would have a big part in this because of how many times she is referenced.
Then that she had to take a second trial?! I can absolutely tell she will be a powerful player in the next books. I can’t wait to see how she grows!
The ending was perfect. Just a great cliffhanger that makes me need the next book immediately.
4.5/5!!!!!!!!
I was very fortunate to get to read this as an eARC. Overall, I really enjoyed the story and I thought it moved at a really nice pace. The characters were very different from one another which added another layer to the story.
I thought the magic system was super unique! I do wish it was a bigger part of the book, but I am guessing that the system will play a bigger role in the future.
I already preordered a physical copy of the book for my shelves!!
I was very fortunate to get to read this as an eARC. Overall, I really enjoyed the story and I thought it moved at a really nice pace. The characters were very different from one another which added another layer to the story.
I thought the magic system was super unique! I do wish it was a bigger part of the book, but I am guessing that the system will play a bigger role in the future.
I already preordered a physical copy of the book for my shelves!!