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A review by anacarter
I've Watched You Die by Karina Banks
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
5.0
5 stars, full review on my blog!
I posted a Book Blitz for this book a while ago, and I loved the description so much that I had to read it.
I've Watched You Die by Karina Banks is the first book in the Academy for Gods and Freaks, a debut novel to an AMAZING series, which was just released. This book is an engaging Norse Mythology fantasy romance, a whirlwind of action that immediately grabs your attention. The plot is nothing short of extraordinary, and I devoured this book in mere hours.
Yes, I've read other books with a lot of similarities, but I don't know, there was just something about this book that was different to me. Perhaps it was the author's attention to detail that made me feel like I was in the room with the characters or how fun and action-packed it was, or maybe how entranced I was by the budding romance between our two main characters, Daniella "Dani" and Ryker.
I posted a Book Blitz for this book a while ago, and I loved the description so much that I had to read it.
I've Watched You Die by Karina Banks is the first book in the Academy for Gods and Freaks, a debut novel to an AMAZING series, which was just released. This book is an engaging Norse Mythology fantasy romance, a whirlwind of action that immediately grabs your attention. The plot is nothing short of extraordinary, and I devoured this book in mere hours.
Yes, I've read other books with a lot of similarities, but I don't know, there was just something about this book that was different to me. Perhaps it was the author's attention to detail that made me feel like I was in the room with the characters or how fun and action-packed it was, or maybe how entranced I was by the budding romance between our two main characters, Daniella "Dani" and Ryker.
Ryker’s lips find mine, and I’m lost. His arms wrap around me in a tight hold I have no desire to break. I want to melt into him. Be closer. I want more.
Daniella "Dani" Price has grappled with visions for most of her life—disturbing glimpses of imminent deaths, entangled with terrifying monsters. Despite diligent efforts to seek help and manage these nightmares through various medications, their intensity escalates. But her nightmares manifest into reality, bringing her face-to-face with a boy central to her visions. Driven to aid him after a life-threatening accident, Dani's act of rescue unveils a baffling disappearance from hospital and ambulance records.
“Dani, you did more than stop the bleeding. You healed me. Exactly like you did when I was bleeding out just now.” He pauses, trying to collect himself. “There was no coming back from those injuries. I should be dead. And I think, deep down, you know that, too.”
We finally meet this mystery boy, Ryker Forsetta, the enigmatic boy from her nightmares, and an undeniable magnetic connection forms between them. As senior prom night approaches, Dani's eyes are opened to the true existence of the monstrous beings depicted in her sketchbook—creatures like the dreaded draug. She and Ryker narrowly escape a draug attack, leading her into the world of Forsetta Academy, where she discovers her Legacy status and meets her protectors, the Ravenborn.
Oh, I like the sound of that. “Tomorrow night?”
“Are you asking me on a date? On a school night?”
“I believe I am.”
This new world is inhabited by princes, demigods, Valkyries, and mystical powers. But, not all in this strange new world welcome her, and Dani grapples to find her place amidst the challenges. Fortunately, she is accompanied by Ryker, the man she saves and falls in love with, to guide her through the labyrinthine obstacles.
During her time at Forsetta Academy, Dani embarks on a quest to uncover her lineage, guided by newfound friends. Her affection for Ryker deepens, despite persistent nightmares foreshadowing his death during his bonding ceremony with Olivia, his chosen Ravenborn—a source of gripping drama.
“So, what? I’m a witch? I have fairy blood?” “No. I believe you are a legacy, a human descendent of Eir.”
I don't want to give too much more plot away. But ahhhhhhh the world-building and all the descriptions of the Academy/world just painted this beautiful image. It was like a movie playing in my head. The author did such a good job of interweaving the fantasy realm with the human world.
One minute we’re on the cobblestone path, the next we are alone inside a small, hidden garden behind one of the classroom buildings. A wooden bench sits at the base of a giant oak tree, the grassy, oval area surrounded by smaller trees and shrubs that provide privacy. A masterfully crafted, life-sized statue of a winged female warrior on horseback dominates the center of the garden. A large bird, I assume it’s a raven, sits on one of her shoulders. The warrior is covered in complex armor and holds a spear. The setting sun turns the sky shades of coral, pink and gold. The light reflects from the statues’ eyes, almost like the horse and rider are on fire within. The effect is stunning and dramatic.
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It’s incredible. The small, circular oasis is home to a petite, calming water fountain surrounded by raised flower beds full of tulips, daffodils and marigolds. A crabapple tree is in full bloom, the little flowers a charming backdrop to the sound of flowing water. An old set of patio furniture sits opposite the entrance. White metal frames support the chairs and table, and are chipped and rusting, giving it a wise, aged sort of character. Bird feeders hang from a massive red maple tree, and fairy lights are draped delicately across the hedge walls. It feels like a secret, or a dream. The good kind.
“Do you like it?” Ryker’s deep voice makes my heart race. His accent is thicker than usual as he whispers from behind me.
The only real criticism I have for this is maybe to be surface-edited, but it's only little things, that didn't really take away from the story. My notes and highlights ➳ ("Maybe Isabella got a peek at my drawings at school or something? Got the imagine ( image ) in her head?”)
Overall, I am absolutely in love with this world. It was fun and action-packed, the world-building was outstanding, and I just LOVED all the characters. And don't even get me started on the explosive ending. The story concludes with a startling revelation and a cliffhanger!!! It's definitely a must-read. I am eagerly anticipating the next installment. I NEED BOOK TWO. Like RIGHT NOW!! 😭 I can’t believe I have to wait til June 2024 for it 😭😭 Best book I’ve read this year.
Brilliant gold light explodes from me. Burning hot power flows into Ryker’s body with such force it causes him to jolt like he’s being hit with electricity.
I don’t stop. I can’t stop.
He must live.