Scan barcode
chelseazhao's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
3.5
I went in expecting more urban fantasy and less dystopian/sci-fi. While I love sci-fi, this book was a mixture of both in a way that I did find myself wishing for more worldbuilding for both elements.
I did like Opal as a main character, but sometimes she felt more like a YA heroine than a mid-late 20-year-old. The voice and prose sometimes felt young. That said, I did like the mix of action and mystery. I liked that the author was trying to add a lot to the story and world. I just sometimes wished for it to be explained more. Like there were at least 2 times that it felt like we were going to get a conclusion, but it is left open-ended for more books in the series. I think I was also disappointed that the ebook ended at 84% for a sneak peek of book two. I thought there was going to be more wrap up, and there wasn't.
I did like Opal as a main character, but sometimes she felt more like a YA heroine than a mid-late 20-year-old. The voice and prose sometimes felt young. That said, I did like the mix of action and mystery. I liked that the author was trying to add a lot to the story and world. I just sometimes wished for it to be explained more. Like there were at least 2 times that it felt like we were going to get a conclusion, but it is left open-ended for more books in the series. I think I was also disappointed that the ebook ended at 84% for a sneak peek of book two. I thought there was going to be more wrap up, and there wasn't.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, and Blood
coinandcandle's review
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I LOVED this book! It was recommended to me by my friend Fern and I’m so glad I read it. I was hooked and finished it within a day and started on the next one.
The main character was realistic and relatable, the love interest is funny and I love a good “enemies to lovers” arc even though they haven’t gotten together, I ship them hard!
The twist caught me off guard but it wasn’t out of nowhere, either. It fit well within the story and made me want more, something I hope they continue to explore in the next book.
I loved the worldbuilding, it was explained in a way that made me feel up to date but wasn’t clunky or massive history lectures—though I would’ve gladly sat through some history lessons on the DFZ and how magic came to be in this world!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Child abuse, Cursing, and Blood
bex_knighthunterbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This urban fantasy mystery was great fun. I loved being back in the DFZ with its mix of magic and technology. I really enjoyed Opal's perspective and voice, along with Nik (I shipped it!), and Sybil the AI assistant. The mystery was fast paced and kept me guessing, although I enjoyed most the reveals around Opal and Nik's backstories and lives more than the 'quest'. The tension was high, with lots of risk, potential reward and running all over the city. Given I was already in love with this setting, I loved being dropped back here and seeing a glimpse of how it has changed after the Heartstriker's series. Definitely looking forward to reading the rest of this spin-off series. I really love this for what it is - incredible fun and inventive with relatable spunky characters. However, it is lacking a few things I look for in my absolute favourite series, one of which is more exploration of theme - in this I'd have enjoyed more critique of capitalism and exploitation of low-wage workers and financial precarity - although I understand that isn't the type of book this was trying to be! Also, I would have liked more queerness, even if just in the background, as I would have expected it to be very visible in a city all about freedom (depending on what the rest of the world is like). And finally, the ethnic diversity feels quite surface level. Given the world is quite different to ours that is somewhat understandable but I'd have at least expected the main character to show more of her Korean background given she is a fairly recent immigrant (e.g. maybe she would speak to her AI in Korean?).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Gun violence and Blood
Minor: Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Eating disorder, Stalking, and Gaslighting
pandin's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I wish it less tense, less dark, and less gritty, but I'll read the next books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Blood
Minor: Body horror, Cursing, and Transphobia
More...