A review by birbpal
Lord of Population by Elizabeth Stephens

adventurous challenging dark 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

3.75

⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 Stars

I feel conflicted after finishing this book. In the first half, I was absolutely hooked and could not put the book down. FMC Abel was not only a badass but a secretly tender one that made me really feel for her. The dynamic between her and Kane was electric. I love how naturally they worked together. Whether it be against enemies or on a dance floor, they were so atune to one another.💞

The plot was straight to the point and compelling; Abel's sister was taken from her, and she is on a John Wick-esque mission to kill everyone in her path to get Ashlyn back. In order to make it through Population alive, she reluctantly allies with Kane, who happens to be a powerful alien. 

The second half is where I felt the story fell off. Abel went through brutal event after brutal event to now get Kane back. It was hard to read at some points, but I knew what I was getting into, so that didn't bother me too bad. My biggest issue is the fact that I had to suspend my disbelief for the majority of the second half. Abel should have died 5 times at least, but she somehow lives every flippin time. 

Even at the end, Abel comes back alive as deus ex machina to ensure the book ends in a HEA. I love HEAs but seriously?😒 I rolled my eyes and groaned, reading how this book ended. 

I also felt weird about her and another character's relationship. I won't spoil who that character is, but I seriously didn't like how easily Abel forgave him for his actions. It felt like it all got brushed to the side, personally. 

Despite my complaints, I still liked the book to the point that I will be continuing with the series. Hopefully, the FMC in the next book will be a little more believable because otherwise, I loved most everything else in this book!🐥💕