smasson13's review
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I devoured this book because it wrapped a story I had fallen in love with so easily.
That being said, there were many things that made this book a very quick and underwhelming story to read.
1) The story read very much like a YA novel in take the plot was overtly explained to you at the end...Hanji's chapter literally described how the whole plan fell into place even though I had guessed it very early into the story.
2) There was no tension... I'm not sure if this was due to there being absolutely no risk of danger at all (everyone lives and everything is all good), a lack of any meaningful moments between Gal & Ettian, or a lack of emotions from any of the other characters (I picked up on some interest between Hanji and Wen but nothing happened, no emotional return between Esperza and her wife...)
3) The best battle (of fake battle) happened on Behra and then nothing exciting happened after. Like the massive war between two empires was 5 lines and we got no details??
4) Everything was a "surprise this didn't happen it was a trick". The first few time cool, then it became so obvious it would keep happening, that you felt no build up or excitement at any event because you knew it would be reversed.
Am I glad I read it? Absolutely
Will I read it again? Unlikely
That being said, there were many things that made this book a very quick and underwhelming story to read.
Spoiler
1) The story read very much like a YA novel in take the plot was overtly explained to you at the end...Hanji's chapter literally described how the whole plan fell into place even though I had guessed it very early into the story.
2) There was no tension... I'm not sure if this was due to there being absolutely no risk of danger at all (everyone lives and everything is all good), a lack of any meaningful moments between Gal & Ettian, or a lack of emotions from any of the other characters (I picked up on some interest between Hanji and Wen but nothing happened, no emotional return between Esperza and her wife...)
3) The best battle (of fake battle) happened on Behra and then nothing exciting happened after. Like the massive war between two empires was 5 lines and we got no details??
4) Everything was a "surprise this didn't happen it was a trick". The first few time cool, then it became so obvious it would keep happening, that you felt no build up or excitement at any event because you knew it would be reversed.
Spoiler
Am I glad I read it? Absolutely
Will I read it again? Unlikely
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Classism
Minor: War, Death, Physical abuse, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Torture, Violence, and Murder
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