Thank you to Kristen Simmons and Tor Teen for sending me an ARC! I really enjoyed reading this book. This is not my typical genre, but I was excited to read something of this genre with October and Halloween coming up. I loved seeing different perspectives throughout the book. I was hooked right from the beginning of the book. But, I do wish there was more development or explanation of the game and the world they're in for the reader. But at the same time, it added to the book because I was picking up on small details that would later become important at the same time the characters were. Overall, I enjoyed the experience I had reading this.

Content Warnings

Gearbreakers by Zoe Hana Mikuta

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dark emotional funny medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellington

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dark emotional tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This felt like a mix of The Ivies, The Inheritance Games, and S.T.A.G.S. It was amazing and fun to read. I was actually surprised by the events in the book and it didn't feel predictable.

The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King by Carissa Broadbent

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dark mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

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adventurous dark tense medium-paced

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

4.25

Why did I read this? It was recommended to me to get over my Fourth WIng hangover. It very much reminded me of vampires meet the Hunger Games and the development of the characters reminded me a little bit of the Blood Trials.

What did I like? I loved it for some of the same reasons I loved Fourth WIng. It was an "easy" fantasy. Meaning there wasn't so much world building that it took me out of the book, or "bored" me. It's easier for newer readers of fantasy to get into. I thought the character development was really interesting, and I enjoyed having Oraya's inner dialogue throughout the book. There was some spice, but not an overwhelming amount. I think there was only one or two open door scenes.

Content Warnings

Red Rising by Pierce Brown

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dark emotional tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

This book is pure science fiction. I liked the concept of the book and the fact that throughout the book the characters did not feel redemable. I also enjoyed that it wasn't easy for Darrow. Brown does a very good job at describing in great detail, sometimes disgustingly so what is happening in the scene and exactly how Darrow feels. This was one of the things I wasn't a huge fan of because the language was quite disgusting and crude, and there was a lot of cursing but it did fit the characters and the situation.

Content Warnings

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jsreadingcorner's reviews 174 reviews

jsreadingcorner's reviews
174 reviews