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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
Must a book be good?
Isn’t it enough to have an interesting concept and engaging characters?
Isn’t it enough to have an interesting concept and engaging characters?
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really wanted to love this book. I actually did enjoy the ending, but I’m frustrated that it ended on a cliffhanger because I want to know what’s going to happen, but I’m not sure I enjoyed the book enough to read the sequel.
I’m not even sure what it was missing for me.There were definitely some harrowing moments, but for a story about a death tournament I feel like it needed more emotional deaths. I didn’t feel like much of a connection was built between me as a reader and most of the characters who died
Also I know they’re supposed to be flawed, but I found Briony to be so unlikeable. Most of the characters were unlikeable to the point where I was getting frustrated reading.
I did really enjoy the magic system, the relics and the firmament system. Despite having some cringey names, the magic was really interesting. It just took me a long time to read the book and it’s not that long, I wish the whole book had been as gripping as the last third.
I’m not even sure what it was missing for me.
Also I know they’re supposed to be flawed, but I found Briony to be so unlikeable. Most of the characters were unlikeable to the point where I was getting frustrated reading.
I did really enjoy the magic system, the relics and the firmament system. Despite having some cringey names, the magic was really interesting. It just took me a long time to read the book and it’s not that long, I wish the whole book had been as gripping as the last third.
The fact that I have to wait until August for the next one might be my villain origin story
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
I did really like this book and it’s concept and characters, but I also think sometimes it felt a little to YA. It just felt like it had a lot of reliance on YA tropes at times, but would compensate for it with some pretty devastating chapters. Overall, I enjoyed reading it!
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
3.5 ! or actually, i can't remember what i rated it but i definitely did write a review on a slip of paper in my copy so i'll update when i find the book... or actually get it out from behind a cabinet. ANYWAY, for me, the beginning wasn't something i could really get into, and in general i have trouble reading books with multiple perspectives but it got easier as the book went on cause the plot advanced well enough and had a bunch of activity going on that it didn't take long to actually finish ! there were some characters that really annoyed me (iykyk) and i can't believe some of the things your own blood family could do... NEED to read the sequel since i did enjoy this one.
edited (12/06/23): i stand by the fact that the beginning of this novel dragged on a little too much for me with the gathering of information and the switching perspectives BUT, when the action and drama started i was absolutely locked in. remembered why i kind of h*ted briony because she was a little selfish but i feel maybe at the end she did want to own up to all the things she did and really wanted to save everyone. and then alistair and isobel's dynamic wasn't something i really liked BUT THE DYNAMIC WAS SO GOOD. ENEMIES TO (SOMEWHAT) FRIENDS/LOVERS TO ENEMIES AGAIN. i'm not sure how i feel of gavin still.. but poor carbry and elionor (kinda), everyone could've survived foreal !!! excited to read the sequel !!
edited (12/06/23): i stand by the fact that the beginning of this novel dragged on a little too much for me with the gathering of information and the switching perspectives BUT, when the action and drama started i was absolutely locked in. remembered why i kind of h*ted briony because she was a little selfish but i feel maybe at the end she did want to own up to all the things she did and really wanted to save everyone. and then alistair and isobel's dynamic wasn't something i really liked BUT THE DYNAMIC WAS SO GOOD. ENEMIES TO (SOMEWHAT) FRIENDS/LOVERS TO ENEMIES AGAIN. i'm not sure how i feel of gavin still.. but poor carbry and elionor (kinda), everyone could've survived foreal !!! excited to read the sequel !!
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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
First 3/4 of this was 3 stars and last quarter was 5 stars so I’ll split the difference. Wish it didn’t take so long to pick up and honestly there’s one too many POVs but hopefully the sequel keeps up the momentum it finished with
5 ⭐️ What an unexpectedly fun, dark, time. I can’t wait for the next.