A review by pockysoups
The Ones We Burn by Rebecca Mix

adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious 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

4.0

"'I am not weak because I loved you,' she whispered to Ongrum. 'I am strong because I survived you. I am strong because after all the hurt, still I love. Still I trust. My strength is not owed to the wounds you gave me, but the willingness to let them scar.'"

 

I started this book back in the summer & thought (within the first 60-70 pages) that the writing fell a bit short of what I enjoy, and that it was moving at way too slow of a pace for me. I'm so glad I decided to give this book another chance. 
It does start out slow, but once the plot starts to pick up, you meet all the characters and see their dynamics play out, it is hard to put this book down. 

As a queer woman, I, of course, loved the romance--but I am also glad, as some other reviewers pointed out, that the main character has fully fleshed out & believable friendships with each of the side characters. Additionally, the side characters also have wonderfully real relationships with one another that add to the novel in a great way. 

I also really appreciated this novel's emphasis on healing from trauma. The writing cuts deep; it's relatable, and sometimes in an uncomfortable way for those of us who have been abused. 

My only critique is that the epilogue felt a bit rushed. I would have enjoyed to hear more about how they put the pieces of the kingdom back together right after the conflict, rather than skipping ahead three months, which almost always feels lazy (to me). 

Like I said, once you settle into the book, I believe it is absolutely worth the read.