4 ★ - (really liked it)

I wasn't sure how much I'd like this, having not read the classic and not planning to, but I jumped at the chance of getting a free ebook and I'm pleased to say that I did indeed like it! Very much actually. The main character, Huxley, was splendid. Very likeable, interesting, and comfortingly human. That's part of what I love so much about Alissa's writing, her characters feel so real :) And Willa is the most adorable ever oh my goodnesss. Who am I kidding, I thought all of the characters were wonderful and all of their relationships were adorable.

Now, if you're looking for a fast paced adventure: I don't think this is it. It starts with a lot of action and ends with the same, but the middle is pretty slow. And it did seem to be sort of rushed at the ending. But overall it held my attention with the secrecy and wanting to know how certain subplots unfolded. And I loved the nods to The Earth-Treader!! Wasn't expecting it and was pleasantly surprised since that's been one of my most favorite books this year and the first I read from the author.

The mercy! The grace!! I knew the themes were woven in but I did not expect it from a certain character towards another certain character.... and how it inspired Huxley.

I even teared up towards the end when Huxley is reunited with someone <3


CWs, or things that caught my attention: mentions/descriptions of injury (including broken limb), sickness. death, poisoning, a corpse, cruelty, manipulation, deceased parents, threat of death, propaganda, couple mentions of a past relationship resulting in heartbreak, claustrophobia, feeling trapped, couple very brief mentions of brothels (one line each time, includes mention of someone being put into one by order), a bit of magic.

But it's all *very* mild though, brief and vague if described or in passing comment :)