Blood & Steel

I think I'm just gonna go ahead and dnf this book now. I'm not invested in the character or their “romance.” I prefer a really good slow burn, and this is not it, which is fine but just not for me. The worldbuilding was a little bit confusing for me and her slight “not like other girls” attitude, which rears its head up every time her sister is on the page, just makes me dislike her a lil bit. Overall, it's not my cup of tea, although I kept at it because it genuinely has promise. Sad it did not work out for me, but oh well.

Ooh this was so good!

I had a few issues with the writing and pacing, there were some overly used phrases (did you know her eyes are celadon?!) which became grating and needed editing out but there was so much I really liked about this.

I thought this was going to be the usual generic fantasy romance and hit all the same plot point but it did not!

Thea was so refreshing - she didn't want to just go off and save the world by herself, she trained hard and worked together with her team in the battles. She had a good attitude and actually admitted needing help. Unheard of!

I also found Wilder a nice change from the usual love interest - it wasn't insta lust and he wasn't an arrogant prick like usual. He actually supported Thea and has his own issues to work on.

Cal and Kip are great as the friend group, I was on edge for them during the initiation trial but I'm so glad they all made it through together. I'm waiting for the revenge on Seb, I hope it's brutal.

The ending was another big win for me and I'm diving straight into book 2!