A review by ericas_bookshelf
Crier's War by Nina Varela

adventurous emotional inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

This is an absolute masterpiece of a fantasy, but with a romance that quite literally is filled with so much yearning and angst I was SWEATING. And, not only is the prose and romance stunning, Nina crafted such a unique world with technology and magic interspersed. It’s fascinating and unforgettable. 

She also manages to flawlessly weave in what the queer experience can be like for so many. As a queer person, I felt very seen by both Ayla & Lady Crier, but particularly Lady Crier and her arc in this book. I am beyond eager to dive into Iron Heart, wow. 

P. S. This snippet from the authors note has me crying happy tears 🥹

“To the queer readers: for reading this book, but also just for existing. Some people will try to tell you your story doesn’t matter. That is the biggest lie you will ever hear. Reader, everything you feel and experience and create is vital to this world. Never sit down; never shut up. Nobody else wants to write about us, so: screw it. We’ll do it ourselves. We will write ourselves into every genre. We will make it impossible for anyone to pretend we don’t exist.“