First, let's take a moment to appreciate the cover on this book. So much pretty. I am clearly stalling here, because I really wanted to like this book and... I didn't so much. But there were some things, so how about we start with those?
The Stuff I Liked:
- The Romeo and Juliet aspect. I thought it was a very unique way to retell the story, and I enjoy a feuding families/forbidden love situation. This book definitely fits the bill!
- There were friendships and such that started blossoming, and I really enjoyed those. They added a lot of readability to the book, as well as helped me feel a bit more connected to the characters in general.
The Stuff I Didn't
- Really, my main gripe with this book was that I spent most of the time confused, and overwhelmed with names and places. And worldbuilding that I didn't completely "get", which I'll get into.
- I didn't feel a lot for the characters one way or another. I didn't hate them or anything, I just felt apathetic about them. Maybe it was because there were quite a few characters who were involved, but instead of feeling immersed in the story, I just kind of felt like a spectator who was kind of bored.
- The worldbuilding didn't make a lot of sense to me. I have no idea if it was supposed to be straight up fantasy, or if the world was based partially in some kind of post apocalyptic city, or what exactly was happening. And then there are some kind of... zombies with a plague? But they're called Reapers, which is just... well, this, because my brain defaults to The 100:
- It simply just didn't pull me in. I know that isn't all that helpful to you reading this, but it's really how I felt. It was an interesting premise, it just kind of left me not caring about the outcome or the characters.
Bottom Line: While this one wasn't for me, the idea was definitely intriguing and some people have had lots of love for it, so you might too! I doubt I'll read the next book in the series, though.
*Copy provided by publisher for review