Date of Completion: 16/05/2020
Props to Sarah J. Maas for trying something new, but…
This was such a let down!
“There are worse fates than death, you know.”
The storyline starts off a little slow and generally remains that way for most of the book as the main characters face a series of dead ends. Things finally pick up towards the end as we are hit with several twists that I really did not see coming.
I have to give it to Sarah, the world-building was done really well. For such a complex concept, I loved that details were gradually built-up rather than a massive information dump. However, I really struggled with identifying the characters as each one seemed to have at least three names and several different nicknames which were all used interchangeably.
While I feel that Sarah tried very hard to create a complex and fierce female character, with Bryce, what we got instead was a child with daddy issues. Bryce did end up growing on me as the book progressed, but I still found her tedious at the end of the book.
“That’s the point of it, Bryce. Of life. To live, to love, knowing that it might all vanish tomorrow. It makes everything that much more precious.”
In contrast, I actually loved the male lead (Hunt) as he stayed true to who he was throughout the book. Right from when he was introduced, we got to see him as both a strong and kind character. Even with the unnecessary twist towards the end of the book, he was probably my favourite character.
I also really loved that the relationship between Bryce and Hunt was not a love-at-first-sight case. The friendship to lovers approach felt really healthy and fitting. It also allowed readers to enjoy the sizzling chemistry that developed between both characters.
“What brings loyalty beyond death, undimming despite the years. What remains unwavering in the face of hopelessness.“
While I am slightly intrigued about how the storyline will develop, I do not feel a huge drive to pick up the next book in the series, hence three stars.
Do you agree or disagree with anything mentioned above? Let me know in the comments below.
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