4.5*
Crown of Oblivion was pretty much all the things I hoped it would be: a high stakes adventure in a terribly dangerous world. I asked, it delivered, I'm happy to report!
What I Loved:
- • First, this should be a movie. Or a show, I shan't be picky. But everything about both the world and the race itself would translate incredibly onscreen. Someone make this happen, please and thank you.
- • It's an adventure, and also, they take your memories, and also also, you could die. And if you're Astrid, I think the chances are even higher that someone's trying to kill you, tbh. Seriously, put yourself in Astrid's (and the other racers') shoes: You sign up for this Death Crawl, but when you wake up, sans memories, you have no idea why you would sign up for such a thing! That in itself is worth the read! But it's even more precarious than that, because Astrid is trying to save her family and herself at the same time, while fending off all kinds of enemies and brutal conditions.
- • Loved the characters, of course extra loved Astrid. Okay but how did I fall in love with a character who's missing her memories for half the book? Easy, she's awesome. She cares so deeply about her family, that's clear from the start. But even when she no longer remembers that they even exist, she works so hard to survive. She's smart, she's brave, and she just has a ton of heart.
- • The world had so many problems that are mirrored in our own society. So much of the inequality that people experienced were for such garbage reasons. Just like real life, naturally.
- • There really just wasn't anything I didn't like. It's fast paced and compulsively readable. Once I got going, I didn't want to stop!
Bottom Line: An incredible adventure in a very messed up world, with a main character you simply can't help but root for!