This book isn’t perfect but it’s been two weeks and I cannot get it out of my head.
Hannah and Garrett were delightful characters with their own story This book isn’t perfect but it’s been two weeks and I cannot get it out of my head.
Hannah and Garrett were delightful characters with their own story arcs and passions. Their banter was top notch and this whole this was an emotional fun ride
This one takes a minute to get into because the character introductions feel like a lot and Poppy rambles. But once the story found its groo4.5 Stars
This one takes a minute to get into because the character introductions feel like a lot and Poppy rambles. But once the story found its groove it was excellent!
I’ve never been able to put into words everything I love about traveling— but Emily Henry did.
Poppy’s relationship with her family and their loud personalities was my favorite part. Again, Emily Henry put my feelings into words.
The way Alex and Poppy grew together was beautiful and almost painful. And this is coming from someone who generally HATES friend-to-lover stories
Overall I wasn’t expecting to have tears in my eyes finishing this book, but here I am. ...more
Every little thing about you can be a weapon, if you’re clever enough.
Oh.my.god. This was my first Summers book, but definitely won’t be th5 Stars
Every little thing about you can be a weapon, if you’re clever enough.
Oh.my.god. This was my first Summers book, but definitely won’t be the last. Told both from the namesake’s perspective and as the dialogue of a podcast later discussing her disappearance, Summer’s writing created something unique and captivating.
”I’m going to kill a man. I’m going to steal the light from his eyes. I want to watch it go out. You aren’t supposed to answer violence with more violence but sometimes I think violence is the only answer.”
I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again: my aesthetic is girls with switchblades. Sadie clearly illustrates her motivation very early in the book, but it never felt heavy-handed. Interviews with her family members, discussion of her past and more time spent in her perspective only strengthens her motivation and the tension in the narrative. I adored her character. Every angry, broken, jagged and unlikable piece. She was so many things female protagonists aren’t allowed to be, and this parallels with the theme that strength takes many forms.
Sadie’s story is filled with people who’ve been victimized by family, horrible men, or life itself. This was often ugly, and worked to create a sullen, gritty atmosphere. But it doesn’t stop there, as the story also focuses on reclaiming power and some different ways that can look. (For Sadie, it’s a switchblade.)
At it’s core, this book is about the complicated nature of identity. Due to this layered narrative we consistently have to compare how Sadie perceives herself with how others see her. For example, we frequently see Sadie’s POV during interactions and West later interviews the character she interacted with. Jumping from deep in a character’s head and seeing how she rationalized behaviors immediately compared with other's theorizing about those same behaviors was trippy and fascinating. How much of what other's perceive is us?
But despite all these complicated themes and ideas, there’s never a moment the story fails as a thriller. It’s tightly woven and masterfully paced. Each scene builds anticipation and propels forward like a train on a track we aren’t always certain we like.
In Conclusion: I’m obsessed. I give so few five-star ratings because I’m saving them for books like this.
”But love is complicated, it’s messy. It can inspire selflessness, selfishness, our greatest accomplishments and our hardest mistakes. It brings us together and it can just as easily drive us apart. It can drive us.”
”We might be Paper Girls, easily torn and written upon. The very title we’re given suggests that we are blank, waiting to be filled. But w
4.5 Stars
”We might be Paper Girls, easily torn and written upon. The very title we’re given suggests that we are blank, waiting to be filled. But what the Demon King and his court do not understand is that paper is flammable. And there is a fire catching among us.
You know that special pain that comes when a book with an amazing premise fails to live up to expectations?
Now imagine the exact opposite. THAT was this book for me. That special kind of joy when a book with high expectations delivers
Lei lives in a world dominated by a magical caste system. Those with demon blood, (Moon) those with human blood, (Paper) and those with both (Steel.) This caste system quickly opens a dialogue about the nature of oppression. Especially when Lei is chosen as one of the Moon King’s concubines or “Paper Girls.”
At its core, this book is about sexual assault and girls reclaiming themselves. The story doesn’t shy away from discussing the nature of rape or the many faces abusers may wear, but it also focuses on the process of healing. This extremely personal and varied activity was reflected in the large cast of girls, each with their own form of processing. The cast is predominantly female, and seeing this focus on female support and friendship was amazing. The varied character dynamics were all nuanced— and really show how much more room there is to explore when there’s more than two token women.
Even more, this slow-burn, beautiful romance is delightfully sapphic. The relationship isn’t over sexualized, but their femininity is beautifully expressed and celebrated. Lei’s journey with herself and her feelings was constantly contrasted with the views of those around her. It’s when she begins to challenge these expectations that the romance really flourishes and so it feels like a natural character progression instead of gimmick.
As a whole, this book offers so much representation for identities often excluded. It’s fierce Asian girls in love, and while I can’t speak for the representation as a whole, I know how much it matters.
The writing is actually so beautiful and it’s astounding that this is a debut? There’s this almost-resplendent quality as the world builds around this lush, devious kingdom. While there’s little use of magic itself, the writing still holds a magical quality.
My only complaints are that I found the caste system a bit gimmicky? I loved the discussion it opened, but the actual demon magic and animal appearance seemed almost irrelevant to the story? And that Lei is hard to connect with until she finds her drive in the second half. At first she’s understandably distraught and disoriented, but once her goals are established she became a much more dynamic and interesting character.
Overall: This subject matter is really intense, and I recommend making sure you’re in the right head space first, but this really lives up to expectations.
I received an Arc in exchange for my honest opinion, thanks to Jimmy Patterson Books!...more
”But this is your life, and it will stretch out before you, and you are the only person who can make it whatever you want it to be.
This f4 Stars
”But this is your life, and it will stretch out before you, and you are the only person who can make it whatever you want it to be.
This felt personal and lovely. Not that everything taking place was lovely (quite a few events felt like a gut punch) but that there’s something almost magical about how intimate this love story felt.
Tanner is a bi boy whose family moved to a predominantly Mormon town right before his senior year. During a senior writing class, Tanner starts to fall for his very Mormon TA and sets out to write his feelings. The characters’ relationship with writing perfectly framed the narrative. Without spoiling anything, the ability to read Tanner’s writing and the due dates on the assignment really advance the pacing and creativity.
I’m a queer girl who was raised in a very religious environment (Southern Baptist, not Mormon) and this book felt startlingly accurate. There were a couple points I had to put the book away and take a second, (so warning if you need it!) There’s this misconception that homophobic family are always outright hateful, but most of the time it’s emotional abuse painted with shades of love—this book gets that. Sebastian’s family is one of the best examples of the invasive, subtle nature of homophobia-masked-in-religion. Everything from the “hate-the-sin-love-the-sinner” attitude and discussions to the “being gay is just a sin you have a tendency towards, not who you are” hit me HARD.
I really enjoyed how this was paralleled with Tanner’s own story. I love seeing a bisexual boy completely comfortable with his proud family. His friendship with Autumn in particular was great to read, but also had several points that showed realistically how messy emotions and sexuality can be (particularly in high school!)
My only compliant is it’s kinda insta-love. It’s very cute and well-written instalove, buuuuttttt still instalove. Tanner especially was overwhelmingly invested before they’d really had a conversation? It felt even more out of place in a story that was working so hard to stay grounded. That being said, the characters are compelling and easy to root for. Both mains are precious and deserve 12 happy endings.
In Conclusion A romance that gives you fuzzies while also portraying an in-depth at look at homophobia in religious environments....more
Who knew a story about the apocalypse could be so beautiful? Taking place in an alternate future where widesprea4 Stars
"Survival is insufficient
Who knew a story about the apocalypse could be so beautiful? Taking place in an alternate future where widespread disease has left the world mostly desolate and without technology, this story follows a traveling theatre company.
This leads to wonderful discussion about the importance of art and fiction. At first, this group continuing to preform Shakespeare seems almost silly, but as the story evolves and we see characters lose and regain themselves in the plays/audience it became oddly profound.
The writing style also helped convey this, as Mandel's writing is both magnetic and perceptive. There's no flowing prose, but charming honesty that illustrates the characters.
While the pacing was great, it's hard to miss how intensely character-driven this is. At times, it was a frustrating and I longed for a little more plot to sink my teeth into. Especially when it came to the logistics of this new-found world and the sickness.
(Like... Why did the Georgia flu seem to disappear after so many years??)
Overall: A beautiful story that captures the struggle of humanity, while using a post-apocalyptic wasteland as the back-drop. Don't read if you're looking for intense survival tales or an adrenaline-fueled apocalypse....more
“…a feminist. It’s not a bad word. After today it might be my favorite word. Because really all it is is girls supporting each other and
4 Stars
“…a feminist. It’s not a bad word. After today it might be my favorite word. Because really all it is is girls supporting each other and wanting to be treated like human beings in a world that’s always finding ways to tell them they’re not.”
Okay, I’ll admit it. I was so nervous about reading this. I absolutely consider myself a feminist, but I also think writing a fiction book about a political/social movement is tricky. It’s very easy to lose focus on the characters and story—or even worse, end up with a bunch of weak, stereotypes that exist only to promote the primary message.
Not the case here.
The character’s aren’t just a teaching tool to talk about feminism. Feminism is a teaching tool for the characters. Our MC, Vivian, has a fully-formed character arc that works in conjunction with the plot as she ‘accidentally’ starts a feminist club at her school. It all worked very well together to give us an awesome story about change and revolution.
Speaking of, none of the characters were stereotypes. Nothing was condensed down to black-or-white. The character’s weren’t divided into ‘good feminist’ and some ‘bad other,’ but instead, allowed to be flawed and dynamic—just like real people. Vivian’s best-friend has reservations about using the word feminism, Vivian’s love interest (who self-identifies as a feminist) still holds some problematic views—Vivian herself makes judgments and holds opinions that are questionable, and discussed as she matures. There was more focus on growth, than shaming anyone.
Female friendship is still all too rare in YA, and this book has it in spades. Each chapter is filled with girls supporting, laughing, debating, and learning from each-other. I especially appreciated how Vivian’s friendship with Claudia wasn’t dismissed just because she also befriends the new girl, Lucie. Girls of different races, orientations, classes and walks-of-life not only work together, but revel in their friendships.
My only complaint is that as much as I loved the story, I couldn’t help but feel the writing was a little bland. There was a complete lack of sensory details, and all the descriptions were pretty plain. I understand the story and characters were the front of the story, but I wouldn’t have minded a little more oomph to draw me in, ya know?
Also, it’s not that ‘make-me-a-sandwich’ jokes are rare (god help us) but there’s an instance where a boy interrupts a girl just to say the punchline? It didn’t feel very organic, and felt even more off in a book so grounded in realism.
In Conclusion
Really fun, really empowering contemporary where the character’s and their relationships are the focus to open awesome discussions about feminism. Some of my favorite quotes:
“I’ve never thought about it like that. That a white girl always wins.” “Well no offense,” sas Kiera, eyeing me, “but you’re white, so you wouldn't have.”
“And you telling me not all guys are like that doesn’t really help me feel better. Because some guys are like that. A lot of them, actually.”
“Making girls monitor their behavior and their appearance because boys are supposedly unable to control themselves? That is one of the oldest fucking tricks in the book.”
“It’s like I’m living in a feminist fantasy,” Lucy says. “But it can’t be a complete fantasy, because Roxane Gay isn’t here.”
”It's not like in the movies. It's better, because it's real.”
Does this need introduction at this point??
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Pros:
- Asian FMC! And s 3.5 Stars
”It's not like in the movies. It's better, because it's real.”
Does this need introduction at this point??
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Pros:
- Asian FMC! And she’s allowed to be soft and tough and everything in between! - Lucas is precious and deserves all the ascots he wants. - Peter Kavinsky comes over and helps Lara Jean bake cupcakes while she’s in her sweats. Need me a freak like that.
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- It’s actually an inventive take on the fake dating trope. - There’s this whole thing about growing up and learning to say goodbye without writing-off people and experiences that happened? And I just really dug it. - The ending line is perfect and I’m high-key okay with pretending the series ends there. - I’m here for sisterly relationships and Margot was actually my favorite. Sis has a level head on her shoulders. - Lara Jean starts seemed really immature, but it becomes apparent that she’s just never had to do things for herself because Margot and her dad protected her and Kitty? So watching her grow was so nice and she’s such an easy character to root for.
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- The freaking notes, man. Love me a flirty, confident boy who’s actually all soft and notices the little stuff. - Like that freaking yogurt y’all. - And the whole hot tub scene - and when she screams out the window because they are racing the old couple. I ship it.
Cons
- Josh was just kind of... there? I don’t understand what Lara Jean saw in him because I don’t understand him. He was so bland and had literally no personality?? LJ acted like they were friends... but I pulled out my spectacles and I still see nothing. - No junior in high-school says beeytoch completely seriously. - Why were these sisters so demanding about the other’s love life - Genevieve was one-dimensional mean-girl and hung up on middle school drama. (And I haven’t forgiven movie-version of her for the scrunchie) - What was the drama at the end and why. Lara Jean just like instantly believed every bad rumor and I’m still not sure why she was mad or why Peter was mad and maybe I’m just old.
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In Conclusion:
It’s cute and it accomplishes what it sets out to. The characters are all enjoyable and though there’s a lot of drama, it’s also hard not to smile.
Movie is hella cute too, with awesome aesthetics that match the book.
“When everyone knows you’re a monster, you needn’t waste time doing every monstrous thing.”
You know that moment when you’re readin 5 Stars
Overview:
“When everyone knows you’re a monster, you needn’t waste time doing every monstrous thing.”
You know that moment when you’re reading and you come across a line so good you have to put the book down for a second? And sort of go:
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That was me about every chapter.
How is it possible Bardugo’s writing improved this much? I just finished the Grisha trilogy, and didn't care for it. This takes place in the exact same world, but it’s expanded upon so much
For a series called “The Grisha Trilogy” the Grisha were startlingly underutilized. (Probs cause most of the focus was on Alina being distraught) Here, there’s much more diversity in their powers and the culture, and their powers aren't wasted.
This plot is tightly wound and executed brilliantly. From the first chapter, Bardugo slyly builds expectations only to completely unwind them. There were several times I thought I understood a character dynamic or plot point, only for it to be thrust into a new light with the revelation of new information. And this somehow never felt forced.
THE. CHARACTERS.
Just bear with me here, because I have no idea how to talk about how much I loved all these characters. The third-person POV works perfectly. It matches the plot pace step-for-step while still featuring some of the most dynamic characters I’ve ever read.
Nina
“It's not natural for women to fight." "It's not natural for someone to be as stupid as he is tall, and yet there you stand.”
-Probably my favorite if we are being honest - She’s incredibly powerful, but still feels so human She’s confident in her skills because she is good at what she does, but she acknowledges her weakness and still gets overwhelmed sometimes. - Her relationship with sleep is relatable AF - She’s not fearless, but she is brave. - Considers toffee an essential
Matthais
“They fear you as I once feared you," he said. "As you once feared me. We are all someone's monster.”
-I really didn’t want to love him, but I did… - As a druskelle, he has some beliefs that are really ingrained. Raised and trained all his life to hunt Grisha, that shit runs deep. I loved slowly seeing his thought process and his struggles with this. It made for fascinating conflict - Speaking of conflict… he and Nina were like 80% angst and I am here for this. - “My ghost won’t associate with your ghost.” - He can try to hide it, but he fit in this crew very well.
Kaz
“There was no part of him that was not broken, that had not healed wrong, and there was no part of him that was not stronger for having been broken.”
-One of the most hyped characters ever, tbh. - Soooo morally-gray, and it’s sooo great. - Seriously, it’s been a long time since I read a YA character who does the things this guy does-- let alone does them without flinching. - His backstory is fascinating and appropriate, adding a whole new depth to the character - There’s really something enjoyable reading about a character so competent with the ability to be vicious. -“He needed to thank her for his new hat.” I. SHIP. IT.
Inej
Inej had once offered to teach him how to fall. "The trick is not getting knocked down," he'd told her with a laugh. "No, Kaz," she'd said, "the trick is in getting back up.”
- The group’s favorite, and they are less-than-subtle about it. - Her backstory broke my heart a bit, as well as her revelation it cultivates into. (I 200% want her to achieve all her hopes and dreams) - Bardugo brilliantly interlaces Inej’s struggles and emotions, with the use of food-based-adjectives being applied to her physicality. The way Inej bristles at terms such as “caramel” or “creamy” was an incredibly powerful motif and subversion of an antiquated trope. - The master of her own fate.
Wylan
“Always hit where the mark isn't looking" "Who's Mark?" asked Wylan.”
- My baby. My son. - He’s precious and eager. - But he’s also inventive, surprisingly cunning and smart. - The role he plays in the ending wasn’t so much a twist as a brilliant conclusion. (But still took me completely by surprise) - “Just girls?” I. SHIP. IT.
Jesper
“Take good care of my babies,” Jesper said as he handed them over to Dirix. “If I see a single scratch or nick on those, I’ll spell forgive me on your chest in bullet holes.”
- My other baby - His sense of humor is hilarious, and his dialogue super witty. - There’s a lot more depth to his character than I first suspected, and it was interesting seeing it play out. - He feels real. His struggles humanize him and I think he’s more self-conscious than he’d admit. - I’m so used to world-weary protagonists, it’s great seeing a character embrace the adrenaline rush that comes with fighting.
Cons:
The one thing that bothered me is something numerous others have already highlighted-- these characters feel much older than they are. Kaz especially has a such a striking reputation, and has done so many things, it doesn’t seem possible he’s only 18.
In Conclusion:
I’m kind of intimidated to head into the sequel, as I’ve heard really mixed reviews. But I loved this too much not to see how the story ends. Fantastic characters interlaced with a well-executed plot. ...more
“She would be brave. She would be heroic. She would make her own destiny.”
*high pitched screaming*
This was seriously so much fu 5 Stars
Overview:
“She would be brave. She would be heroic. She would make her own destiny.”
*high pitched screaming*
This was seriously so much fun and I just want to go on more adventures with these characters.
*more screaming*
Pros:
This all came together so well. Everything that’s been building the last three books comes to a well designed climax. All the characters are in the same place, the fighting actually happens, plots rise and resolve. It felt like the final piece in a puzzle and it works.
This is over 800 pages, so I was expecting a lot of filler or for it to seem long—and it didn’t? The pacing is fantastic. Everything felt necessary and, again, came together really well.
All the references to the original fairy-tales were perfect? None of them felt like fan service, and instead they all blended seamlessly into the story and made it more enjoyable. Red-Riding Hood with her hatchet, Snow White’s poison apple, The Huntsman, Cinderella’s shoe… they’re all classic symbols and used really well.
SO. MUCH. FRIENDSHIP. There ARE so many fun characters and their interactions together are all splendid. Everyone cares for and supports each other regardless of romantic interest. In particular I love Cinder and Thorne’s interaction (SO MUCH SASS) but the dynamics between Cress/Wolf, Winter/Scarlet, Thorne/Kai, Iko/Everyone were also super fun!
…I just really love all of these characters, okay? I could write and essay about them all. It’s a problem. Scarlet and Thorne are still my favorites, and both have open invitations to marry me.
But for real, everyone’s character arcs were spectacular. Even Winter and Jacin, who we just are really introduced to here, have fully-formed arcs with fantastic development at the end. I was so bored of Kai and Cinder in the first book, but I loved them here. Cinder especially really comes into her own leadership skills and is a badass.
Okay…I ended up loving all the romances?
-Scarlet/Wolf are still my fav (though Wolf was a little dramatic in the beginning and I think talked about her every sentence) ad somthing about their interaction is just fantastic.
-Cinder and Kai being badass awesome leaders together is my new favorite thing.
- I literally loved Winter and Jacin right from the beginning and the way they accept eachother completely is beautiful.
- And I didn’t think I liked Cress and Thorne but they were so friggin cute throughout this?? (I still kind of feel like his feelings for her came out of nowhere… but I’m strangely okay with it?)
But everyone’s separate character arcs blended so well with their respective romances and it all works. Basically this was me at the end of the book.
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Cons:
The only real issue I had is the choppy transition at the end. The narrative jumps straight from the final battle (right when it’s getting real intense) to someone talking about the aftermath. It was a little disorienting.
In Conclusion:
Clinging to Stars Above right now because I’m not ready for it to be over....more
Umm... I don't have more to add except that I love this book and it's one of my all-time favorites? I appreciate so much mor 5 Stars
Overview: Re-Read
Umm... I don't have more to add except that I love this book and it's one of my all-time favorites? I appreciate so much more this time around and all of these characters are phenomenal.
Except Cheng, who exists here only to set his character up for the next book. And Maura, who continues to make bad decisions always.
Original Review
Here’s the thing with this series. The plot is… odd.
You open the first book expecting something about prep-school boys and maybe ghosts but then there’s magical trees and an expedition for a dead Welsh King.
(Or at least, I did.)
It’s definitely original and exciting—but it’s still odd. Somehow, despite how abstract and engrossing the plot points are, it doesn’t feel like the focus of the story. Instead, it’s the characters.
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(Actual convo I had with my friend tonight. I think he’s starting to get it.)
The character development here was as nuanced as it was subtle. We’ve all heard about "showing vs telling and this book handles this masterfully.
At no point are we told “Character A is doing this because of X.” Instead, Steifvater understands her readers are smart enough to pick up on the character motivation if she shows it well. We’re given wonderful insights into the character’s heads, but we are never just told.
I don’t understand people who claim this book is a ‘filler.’ The sheer amount of development here was phenomenal.
Adam
”He left bloody fingerprints on the rock, but there was something satisfying about that. I was here. I exist. I’m alive, because I bleed.”
- Arguably has the most development of anyone.
- Still my fav <3
- There such a focus on him finding balance. With Cabeswater. With his friends. With himself. AND IT'S GREAT.
- He becomes so aware of his own agency here and I’m just so proud because he DESERVES happiness okay?
Ronan
“Adam was beginning to realize that he hadn't known Ronan at all. Or rather, he had known part of him and assumed it was all of him.”
- Literally made me cry.
- Like he thinks and feels with this intensity and it was captivating. Before I knew it I was crying witnessing what he pulls out of his dreams.
- Jesus this boy is crushing haaaarrrrrddddd.
- (I ship it so much omfg)
- The image of Ronan curled up with that blue blanket at The Barns is so poignant and just beautifully done.
Blue
“It was amazing that she and Ronan didn’t get along better, because they were different brands of the same impossible stuff.”
- So let’s talk about this firecracker for a second, shall we?
- She is 200%, absolutely, completely flawed.
- She overreacts. She’s rude. She can be insensitive without realizing it. Flaws.
- But she feels real.
- I don’t need perfect characters. None of the others are perfect either, and Blue shouldn’t be held to a higher standard.
- She’s still super frustrating, but well-written.
Gansey
““I don’t know what I’ll do if I find him, Noah. I don’t know what I’ll be if I’m not looking for him. I don’t know the first thing about how to be that person again.”
- These freaking hornets.
- Gansey’s whole arc this book revolves around fear and how it factors into his identify and it was GREAT
- I’m so envious of his social skills, but also incredibly intimated.
- Still a larger-than life hero, but he’s aware of it?
- I actually love that he and Blue have their whole moral dilemma here. But I am 100% Team: No More Pain for Adam, but the whole plot really humanizes Gansey quite a bit. It’s fascinating to watch him struggle with something.
- That sexy handholding tho.
Others
- I don't understand any of Maura's decisions. Ever.
- Calla and Persphone were expanded upon so much more in this volume! They really became their own individuals, and it was very interesting to see how they functioned together and with Maura.
- Will Gwenlillian make more sense later? Because she was suppppeerr random here. What is the deal with the singing?
- Henry Cheng seems to exist here primarily to set him up for the next book, and I’m not sure what to think. He seems… scattered?
- This narrative is so… aware? I don’t have a better way to describe it. But it feels aware of so much. The fact that all these friendships are borderline-codependent isn’t glossed over. Self-proclaimed feminist Blue addresses characters who feel her ‘story’ didn’t start until she met the boys. It just feels acutely aware of the audience without being shaped by it?
“I think it's crazy how you're in love with all those raven boys."
"You know better than any what I am. Every story needs a monster. And this story will end soon"
Holy ███
This entire ending was a A Strong 4 Stars
"You know better than any what I am. Every story needs a monster. And this story will end soon"
Holy ███
This entire ending was a W H I R L W I N D of emotions for me, but overall such a satisfying conclusion.
This book brilliantly uses its unique format, just like it's predecessors. It features all the characters we know and love, as well as several new faces. I'm struggling to form a cohesive review so let me just summarize everything awesome it contains:
- Kady Grant and her steely determination. It's our third book with her and she's obviously been through hell, but she still slayys - Nik and Ezra being besties - Isaac Grant becoming the entire squad-dad because it's about time someone loved and supported these kids besides me - Plot twists like whoa - Ella Malikov brightening every single scene she was in by being the powerful force of nature we all love - A lot of morally-gray villains and complex side-characters - Including everyone's favorite tortured-soul computer program, AIDAN - Who is still tortured, engrossing, and slightly murderous. - Hanna's beautiful journal entries that perfectly capture her grief and determination - The introduction of Asha (my pharmacy-tech twin) and her every-man heroism - Rhy's perfectly coiffed hair
Honestly, the only reason this book isn't 5-Stars is because I wasn't sold on the Kerenza IV plot. I really loved Asha and her relationship with Katya (who is adorable) but there was a TON of side characters all introduced very quickly? In particular I didn't enjoy spending so much time with Rhys and his solider buddies (if I had to hear "The Duke" refer to himself in third-person again I was gonna lose it)
(Rhys also really pales in comparison to Nik and Ezra, but Asha stands on her own as a complex and brave character... but their romance was... not my favorite.)
I think for me, most of this was the way they were introduced. In the previous books we got a chance to learn about characters through messages or interviews before it jumped straight into surveillance footage, and here it was the opposite. This lead to a LOT of the analyst just telling us important character info instead of learning it naturally.
(Also no spoilers, but some of the twists get untwisted a little TOO conveniently for my taste)
(AND NEEDED MORE ELLA)
Overall:
A REALLY satisfying conclusion to a really awesome series. There's tons of action, tons of the characters/couples we love, and a complex discussion about morality and the power of one person.
"It only takes one pebble to start an avalanche"
Sort-of-Buddy-Read with MissMayMay, but really it was just me spamming her in all caps about my emotions WHICH IM STILL HAVING HOW CAN IT BE OVER...more
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