A review by margin_magic
Emerald City by Astrid Cole

medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Emerald City seamlessly picks up right where Diamond City left us, diving deeper into Sage’s journey as she grapples with the unknowns and everyone faces the traumas from book one. 
This sequel really enriches the series and filled it out exponentially, even though Diamond City already felt very full and satisfying as a story.
My theories were running wild with this book, which was really fun, i made so many notes which is really refreshing, engaging and absorbing in the world. I loved how Astrid mirrored Sage's journey, making us doubt the situation or people through her own trauma and biases.

And the twists? Seriously, they had me looking over my own damn shoulder! They had me questioning everyone and everything. I didn't know who to trust! Suspsicion level; 1000.

The dream states were especially mesmerizing—surreal, feverish, almost prophetic. A journey within a journey that added a whole new layer to the story.
The characters’ insecurities, fallibleness, flaws and traumas were laid bare, exposing the bittersweet truth behind the "don't meet your heroes" vibes, that packs a punch.

We also - importantly - finally learn the true meaning of BDSM 😂 (iykyk)

I warmed to Damien in this book, so much more in the first half, and also came to the realisation that I'm like Damien turning every conversation into a sex joke 

Astrid had my heart dropping at revelations, only to have it soaring later with tenderness and hope. This author is so skilled at balancing fantasy and sci-fi elements, i occasionally forgot it was a sci fi, but our fearless author never let me forget for long, pulling me back to that aspect of the world just as quickly <3

Harrowing at times with its honouring to its dystopian roots, it's certainly no fairytale. But it's weaved through with hope, and that's something special, making it truly unforgettable. 

If you're looking for a read that's quirky, gritty, more twists than a wrung up tea towel, that breaks and mends your heart simultaneously then give this sci fi a go, Start with Diamond City.

READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS FOLKS. 
Full of experiments, gore, intensity and other things that make you not be able to tear your eyes from the page......
 Just how I like it