A review by abby_shupe
Crier's War by Nina Varela

adventurous challenging dark hopeful slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

So I just saw the most beautiful and extensively written review for this amazing novel, by noahczerny so please listen to them because they put what Criers War is way better then I’m about to try to. 😭

The budding tension between Ayla and Crier was just amazing. Their entire dynamic, the dual POVs, and the glorious world building really all sucked me in. 

Ayla going back and forth, so uncertain and untrusting of the daughter of the sovereign - while also so obviously in love with her made the entire book.

I definitely think Iron Heart is the better of the duology, just because there are so many moments in this book that I didn’t get enough i information (yet), to piece everything together. In Iron Heart, almost everything blends together well and left me satisfied.

I love that a lot of the main characters in the story are good or bad, they’re both. Getting the opportunity to read so many character arcs, and following along as they find their footing was pure gold.

One of my favorite elements in the novel was Crier’s continued remembrance of queer stories. She kept thinking back to ones including a prince and a male commoner, and of course the one of Winter and her lover. It was a great touch on the author’s behalf, and really added a lot to the story.
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