Heidi Suen
Once you get past all the names thrown at you, the story falls into place. Unanswered questions are appropriately teased or swiftly answered depending on the foreshadowing or context. The characters all have their own motivations and feel compelling. They're quippy and funny to boot, I love the banter. I still find a bunch of 15-18 year olds scheming and killing a bit too surreal at times so I try to forget their ages.
I wasn't expecting too much romance but was pleasantly surprised. One of the couples already had prior history so this pairing made sense. Without getting into spoilers, other romantic entanglements I'm either unconvinced or pleasantly surprised.
Once you get past all the names thrown at you, the story falls into place. Unanswered questions are appropriately teased or swiftly answered depending on the foreshadowing or context. The characters all have their own motivations and feel compelling. They're quippy and funny to boot, I love the banter. I still find a bunch of 15-18 year olds scheming and killing a bit too surreal at times so I try to forget their ages.
I wasn't expecting too much romance but was pleasantly surprised. One of the couples already had prior history so this pairing made sense. Without getting into spoilers, other romantic entanglements I'm either unconvinced or pleasantly surprised.
I really enjoyed the gradual turn from tough school life to all out war. The pacing felt good. I understood all the motivations from individual characters despite it only being told from main character's view. My one qualm is sometimes her fears/convictions flip flop - she goes from wanting to utilize the gods, to fearing them, and then back to utilizing the gods. I know she's an unreliable narrator but not a shadow of doubt seemed to linger once she really jumped off the deep end. Overall still a great book I stayed up from 12am to 5am? due to the story.
I really enjoyed the gradual turn from tough school life to all out war. The pacing felt good. I understood all the motivations from individual characters despite it only being told from main character's view. My one qualm is sometimes her fears/convictions flip flop - she goes from wanting to utilize the gods, to fearing them, and then back to utilizing the gods. I know she's an unreliable narrator but not a shadow of doubt seemed to linger once she really jumped off the deep end. Overall still a great book I stayed up from 12am to 5am? due to the story.
The amnesia was a spicy addition and many moments had me on my seat of will they won't they get caught. I still don't feel convinced of the whole reason the war happened. The villain is pretty one dimensional, no arc for him at all.
The amnesia was a spicy addition and many moments had me on my seat of will they won't they get caught. I still don't feel convinced of the whole reason the war happened. The villain is pretty one dimensional, no arc for him at all.
I love the banter and pining between the two! However I feel like I'm forced to accept the war that happens as a backdrop.
I love the banter and pining between the two! However I feel like I'm forced to accept the war that happens as a backdrop.