This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Hodder and Stoughton for my copy of this book via Netgalley. I requested this book because I saw it was going to be a monthly book for Illumicrate and I loved the cover. The blurb really intrigued me too, I love a good YA fantasy!
There are quite a few characters in this book and it did take a little while to work out who's who.
Our main character is Rovan. Rovan is a fighter. She's had a few struggles in her life and is very bad at dealing with her issues. She's also strong, smart and never gives up. Rovan isn't looking for friends and doesn't care who she upsets. Rovan is an easy main character to love. I think we all wish we could be a little bit like Rovan.
Japha and Lydea are fantastic supporting characters. I love Lydea's attitude, she really is formidable. If she wants something she finds a way to get it. Japha is the first to make a connection with Rovan. They are kind, caring and fabulous. Japha is an excellent friend, they are extremely loyal and
Ivrilos is quite the character. He is mysterious and secretive with some really witty lines at times.
The beginning of this book is quite slow with quite a bit of world-building. This is done well. Strickland explains everything in the right level of detail without boring you. There's quite a bit to learn but none of it feels torturous. The second half of the is very action-packed. At the halfway point I wasn't sure everything would be wrapped up as it seemed so much still needed to happen.
This book is an excellent story that will have you thinking about it for long after you have finished.
Reviewed by Emma (SCR) on
Reading updates
- 23 May, 2019: Started reading
- 30 August, 2021: Finished reading
- 3 January, 2022: Reviewed