Helene is a character of mystery who despite being unflinchingly loyal to the empire has her soft spots hidden beneath the tough armor. Elias is the perfect morally gray character due to his violent upbringing yet he still strives to do what is ethica...  Read More

It's like gladiator meets witcher mixed with arabian nights. There are three heroes, and two of them are badass women. The punishments and trials the characters face are gruesome.

Sabaa tahir masterfully weaves a beautiful story and i'm hooked! There's some pretty interesting concepts here, nice writing/storytelling, enjoyable characters, and the briefest bit of coverage on some mystical elements.

Tahir packs action and conflict into the early pages of this book in a way that feels natural and immersive. This is the type of book i have been looking for.

There was no actual * that was graphically written. Elias's grandfather is a mash up of villain and dotting father, while the commandant's so garishly written it's hard to take her seriously. Where is the noble and firm mind-set bent on outsmarting th...  Read More

An entire subplot regarding the split faction of the martial government is glossed over in a way that makes all the time spent talking about it seem meaningless. The narration in general was flat and somehow simplistic. The lead characters have unifor...  Read More

Life is too short to waste on something this subpar. This one doesn't. Just seems to throw it at your face. This isn't worth it.

I understand laia's supposed to be saving someone she loves, but that's a common trope in ya. He doesn't act when he sees laia being abused, is always a second too late when he does react, and is just as self-hating as laia is.