curiousdoodler's reviews
68 reviews

This was an excellent final installment in this series. I loved the new PoVs that were introduced. In keeping with the previous two books in the series, I didn't always know what was going on, but I always enjoyed reading it.

I had a hard time deciding what to rate this one. I had very high expectations and I didn't feel they were met. After reading the first half, I would have rated it one star, but it did get better as it went. The ending was quite good. I have two main issues.

First, this isn't a complete story. I realize this is the first book in a series, but it should still be a book on its own with a satisfying ending. This is maybe two thirds of a story. I hate when books in a series do this. It feels like a cheap trick to get the reader to pick up the next book. Rather then building an interesting world or compelling characters, just end the book early so the reader has to read the next book to get a conclusion.

Secondly, the romance *spoilers ahead*. I was really looking forward to the romance. I wanted to read a good wlw story, but this romance made me intensely uncomfortable. The severe imbalance of power was off putting to me. In the beginning Crier forces Ayla to spend time with her again her will, and although Ayla grows to like Crier she never has any real agency. There is always the threat of death if she doesn't humor Crier. It does read as though Crier genuinely loves Ayla, but the relationship was so built on Crier's immense control over Ayla's very life that it was just uncomfortable for me.

This book was so good! I absolutely loved it! Can't wait to get my hands on the next one!

This book was rough to get through. Not because of how violent it gets but because of how boring it is. It really starts to drag in chapter 9 and, although I was beyond pleased when it ended, the ending came out of nowhere. There was no plot that came to an end. The plot at the beginning was forgotten halfway through and never returned. Almost a DNF, but I managed to stick with it. Tons of racism, sexism, and general xenophobia. Only gave it 2 stars because I did enjoy the beginning.

[Edit: Dropped rating to 1 star because this book was just that bad]

Best book in the series so far! Looking forward to the next book!

This book was incredible! Each character is carefully crafted. Not a word was wasted. I felt I knew the characters immediately and cared deeply for them. I loved this book!