alyssadorn 's review for:

Anji Kills a King by Evan Leikam

3.75

adventurous funny hopeful mysterious reflective sad slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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“If you’re willing to kill for a cause, you should be ready to die for one too.” 

Unique and vibrant writing style with some Sanderson vibes, and beautiful prose. The concepts and world building feel very full, yet still easy to pick up (though I wish the author had gone into a bit more detail about the power structures and religious sects as the book went on to show the stakes more clearly), and the characters feel very real and believable. I enjoyed the writing style and world a lot, but I generally enjoy faster-paced books and had a hard time getting into and sticking with the story. 

By the end of the book, though, I was thoroughly enjoying the main characters’ rapport and interactions, so believable and rooted in all that came before. The last 50 pages especially made me FEEL— surprise, sadness, shock, fondness, satisfaction when a theory I’d had was proven correct…. The characters’ arcs feel so full and complete, with the character development having come through so gradually and realistically.