A review by mollyannharris
The Ones We Burn by Rebecca Mix

adventurous emotional 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? Yes

3.25

Overall I don't regret reading this book, I had a fairly good time with it and the cover was so pretty! But I did have a few issues. I didn't really feel connected to any of the characters, which is important in order for me to love a book. I also didn't feel like Ranka was as strong of a warrior as she should have been. Even if she isn't accessing her blood magic, she's been training to be a warrior since she was 4 (I think) years old; I didn't feel like her abilities in the story reflected that. I also didn't find the ending believable.

This is a common gripe I have with YA books, but it felt completely unrealistic to be able to just change the whole structure of the kingdom quickly/easily with no pushback from the nobles. I also saw the two big twists coming from a mile away, and I'm not usually very good at spotting those things.