t0ebeans's review against another edition
DNF.
This put me in such a slump, I really wanted to read it but I had no motivation, I kept nodding off mid read. I got 30% through and still nothing had happened yet a new perspective was added, leading to FIVE. The chapters could include more than one perspective which just lead to too much confusion, even more so because each time we leave a POV it’s more times than not on a cliffhanger, so having to remember where each character was left off was impossible.
The setting and magic system was a straight 5 star but the pacing and whole game aspect was just giving budget hunger games.
Overall, I’m not sure if it was me as I have been in a reading slump!
This put me in such a slump, I really wanted to read it but I had no motivation, I kept nodding off mid read. I got 30% through and still nothing had happened yet a new perspective was added, leading to FIVE. The chapters could include more than one perspective which just lead to too much confusion, even more so because each time we leave a POV it’s more times than not on a cliffhanger, so having to remember where each character was left off was impossible.
The setting and magic system was a straight 5 star but the pacing and whole game aspect was just giving budget hunger games.
Overall, I’m not sure if it was me as I have been in a reading slump!
margot04's review against another edition
3.75
i really enjoyed this book!! deeply confused as to why basically everyone on goodreads hates it lmfao. i really enjoyed the setting, themes, and characters. Hoping the next book(s) expand on the ideas and consequences of body jumping and also on August and Galipei's relationship (both of these felt a bit lacking in this book, but i feel like if they're expanded on later its fine). Biggest thing I had a problem with was why it was never entertained that Calla win, Anton remove his chip, and then Calla just gives him his prize money?? I don't feel like it's a plot hole per say, just wish they had actually acknowledged this as a possibility and then found reasons not to do it lol. Anyways definitely think I'll pick up the next one!
liz_danford's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
armanbeer's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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? Yes
4.0
junebrown's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
akozlowski's review against another edition
3.0
i really wanted this to blow me away but i feel like it kind of fell flat? i don’t think it’s horrible AT ALL, it’s just not what i was expecting.
the best part of this book was the world building!! HANDS DOWN. the atmosphere that she created was amazing and i could really envision the surroundings. the vibes were just immaculate so if you want to be transported somewhere, i recommend!
unfortunately, i think the characters were the downfall. there wasn’t anything glaringly bad but they seemed very 2D to me. i never felt the chemistry between anton and calla. since the plot was driven by their relationship, it wasn’t working for me at times. to be as vague as possible, the climax of the book revolved around their “fallout” and it was supposed to be super high stakes… but it just wasn’t.
one thing i feel like needs to be explained more has got to be the magic component. the concept was interesting but it was confusing. ESPECIALLY with that ending.
all that being said, i think this was super average. i did read this in one sitting (basically) and it held my attention. while there seems to be a lot of “issues”, i was able to overlook them while reading. my mind was turned off to the world so it did it’s job in that sense!
the best part of this book was the world building!! HANDS DOWN. the atmosphere that she created was amazing and i could really envision the surroundings. the vibes were just immaculate so if you want to be transported somewhere, i recommend!
unfortunately, i think the characters were the downfall. there wasn’t anything glaringly bad but they seemed very 2D to me. i never felt the chemistry between anton and calla. since the plot was driven by their relationship, it wasn’t working for me at times. to be as vague as possible, the climax of the book revolved around their “fallout” and it was supposed to be super high stakes… but it just wasn’t.
one thing i feel like needs to be explained more has got to be the magic component. the concept was interesting but it was confusing. ESPECIALLY with that ending.
all that being said, i think this was super average. i did read this in one sitting (basically) and it held my attention. while there seems to be a lot of “issues”, i was able to overlook them while reading. my mind was turned off to the world so it did it’s job in that sense!
glkrose's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
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? Yes
3.75
I think Gong was extremely ambitious with her adult debut and in my opinion, more worked than didn't. I really loved the sci-fi, Blade Runner-type vibes but it was also The Hunger Games with royalty. The mechanics of how some of the stuff worked was tricky. I think I eventually got it, but I was also confused. And I didn't think some of the characters were necessary. HOWEVER, Calla and Anton? Oh, I was into it. Seriously, they were amazing. And I was constantly cursing August. It ended on such a wild cliffhanger, and I'm really looking forward to what happens next. I hope the series gets a little more refined, but it honestly worked for me.
thea_rem's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
jennderqueer's review against another edition
5.0
This book was fantastic. It's billed as an Antony & Cleopatra retelling but I didn't see it, just a really good story about an outlaw princess who wants to kill the king and, in service of her plan, signs up for an annual game that's a fight to the death.
There were some big twists in this book that I didn't see coming and I really enjoyed the story. I can't wait for the sequel.
There were some big twists in this book that I didn't see coming and I really enjoyed the story. I can't wait for the sequel.