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A review by raikowlreads
Avalon Tower by Alex Rivers, C.N. Crawford
adventurous
challenging
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Thank you to C.N. Crawford for sending me a copy to review
Nia finds herself in a dangerous situation when her trip to France doesn't go as planned. What was meant to be a fun birthday celebration, became a dangerous fight with the Fey who has occupied half of France. Not only that, but she finds out that she might not be so human as she thinks she is as she starts to find explination for her everyday, that wasn't meant to be so everyday, but magic. Now she must become a spy and train in Avalon Tower, where some trails will test her skills if she truely belongs there. Not only that, but the guy that told her to become a spy, her mentor Raphael turns out to be just her type, whether she likes it or not. The only problem is: Romantic relationships will get you expelled.
This book is absolutely amazing. I loved the fact it plays in different locations and that these locations have their own worldbuilding around it, with some history from the real world mixed in. Seeing how France works with half occupied land, and the other half being free but still trying to keep the other half happy so they won't attack them, was absolutely great.
The missions of the spies were so tense at some times I couldn't stop reading, finding myself delved into this book at 2am, telling myself: "just another chapter and I'll stop." I don't think I've ever read such a good spy book before, and this made me realise even more how much I love this trope. It really made you feel you were a spy in that mission, the amount of detail you pick up and that they have to sink in, to stay aware of everyone's abouts.
The romance was also fantastic, I love the enemies to lovers turning into forbidden romance. It gives still that tension in the relationship, making them act like they're really still enemies for one another. The enemies to lovers part did go quickly, but I think the forbidden romance might have saved the romance plot for me.
Overall this book was written very smoothly, and I wish I didnt drag it out for too long, because C.N. Crawford has definitely gained a new fan due to this book. I love that you don't get infodumped about the situation, past or surroundings, but just enough to take in the environment. To make you feel present in this story, being able to imagine it in your head.
I recommend this book for fans of Leigh Bardugo & Holly Black.
Nia finds herself in a dangerous situation when her trip to France doesn't go as planned. What was meant to be a fun birthday celebration, became a dangerous fight with the Fey who has occupied half of France. Not only that, but she finds out that she might not be so human as she thinks she is as she starts to find explination for her everyday, that wasn't meant to be so everyday, but magic. Now she must become a spy and train in Avalon Tower, where some trails will test her skills if she truely belongs there. Not only that, but the guy that told her to become a spy, her mentor Raphael turns out to be just her type, whether she likes it or not. The only problem is: Romantic relationships will get you expelled.
This book is absolutely amazing. I loved the fact it plays in different locations and that these locations have their own worldbuilding around it, with some history from the real world mixed in. Seeing how France works with half occupied land, and the other half being free but still trying to keep the other half happy so they won't attack them, was absolutely great.
The missions of the spies were so tense at some times I couldn't stop reading, finding myself delved into this book at 2am, telling myself: "just another chapter and I'll stop." I don't think I've ever read such a good spy book before, and this made me realise even more how much I love this trope. It really made you feel you were a spy in that mission, the amount of detail you pick up and that they have to sink in, to stay aware of everyone's abouts.
The romance was also fantastic, I love the enemies to lovers turning into forbidden romance. It gives still that tension in the relationship, making them act like they're really still enemies for one another. The enemies to lovers part did go quickly, but I think the forbidden romance might have saved the romance plot for me.
Overall this book was written very smoothly, and I wish I didnt drag it out for too long, because C.N. Crawford has definitely gained a new fan due to this book. I love that you don't get infodumped about the situation, past or surroundings, but just enough to take in the environment. To make you feel present in this story, being able to imagine it in your head.
I recommend this book for fans of Leigh Bardugo & Holly Black.