Reviews

I bought into some hype and I think my expectations were too high. It wasn’t bad enough to mindlessly devour as brain candy, but it wasn’t good enough to really sink into. I felt similarly reading SJM’s Crescent City. Secrets were too secretive, slow burn was too slow for me (but I accept that I’m just impatient and other people enjoy that). If I never see the words “FIGHT” or “voice” again, it’ll be too soon.

Had some Hunger Games vibes with the [numbered/themed] [districts/realms], colorful upper class [Capitol/Descended] citizens; and hometown rebel boytoy [Gale/Henri].

Ends on a cliffhanger (that’s easy enough to call) like they all do. Intrigued enough to keep going.

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3.5

I glared. "First of all, if you ever call me fragile again, I'll slice your precious royal balls off and shove them down your throat."

Diem Bellator is a healer living in the Mortal City, in a world invaded by the gods and ruled over years later by the Descended, their cruel and aloof offspring.

Her mum’s disappearance sees Diem taking over her duties as the Descended’s healer which sees her caring for the dying King, constantly watched over by the (obviously gorgeous) heir. Not only must she reign in her burning anger and sharp retorts, she becomes aware of a violent mortal rebellion recruiting her to join the growing civil war.

I loved the sibling relationships! I always love seeing them represented in books and Teller was just the most funny, endearing, sweet younger brother!

”What kind of sister would I be if I sent my favorite sibling-“
“You’re only sibling."
“My smartest sibling into the lion's den on his own?”

This was fairly predictable - and I write this at 25% of the way in - knowing the romantic interest, the stirrings of a rebellion, Diem’s true heritage, power, and purpose. Yet, I understand why it’s so compelling to readers, especially those used to the YA/NA range.
One thing that did bother me was the repetition of <b>Burn</b> and <b>Fight</b> throughout. Every few pages repeated about four times. I get it, you’re angry. You want to fight. Either the foreshadowing was too heavy, or Penn Cole really wanted to get across the spark that’s always been inside Diem to set off the inferno.

Henri, one of the romantic interests (the childhood best friend) totally gave me Gale vibes from The Hunger Games.

And Luther… oh, Luther. Think Azriel, Casteel, Rhysand, Rowan, Raihn. Hard shell, soft, hidden, secretive, mysterious interior. Of course, the most powerful. The Prince. The protector.

I hid behind false bravado and snarky jokes, while Luther's shield was forged with brooding stares and clenched jaws- but inside, we were one and the same. Inside, we rattled the bars keeping us trapped in lives we didn't choose. Inside, we roared with an insatiable craving for more.
Inside, we paced and we planned and we waited. Inside, we burned.

I would recommend this if you enjoyed From Blood and Ash and The Serpent & the Wings of Night.

(Also I’ve just finished book two - and OH MY WORD YES. I’m so excited.)

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