*RE-READ October 2019*
Updated Rating: 4 stars
When I originally read Archenemies a year ago, I was left feeling underwhelmed. It didn't feel like there was really that much there. It felt very much like filler. I think that part of the reason I felt this way is that I was expecting this book to finish up the story. Originally, Renegades was supposed to be a duology, so of course I was expecting some sort of actual resolution at the end of this book. I as got closer and closer to the end, it felt like the story was getting bigger, with more obstacles to overcome, but not necessarily like we were building up tension working toward a real climax. It also felt like there was a lot of focus on Adrian and Nova's faltering relationship, which sometimes felt a little silly considering the larger things at stake in the story. That said, this story does have a lot of fun scenes and reveals, and the ending is fantastic. I'm absolutely ready for Nov. 5 and Supernova.


3.5 stars
I was so excited to jump back into this world and these characters. I re-read Renegades right before picking this up and still loved it as much as I did when I read it earlier this year. And I have to say, while I really enjoyed this and will anxiously anticipate the final installment next November, I did think it suffered a bit from second-book slump. It feels a little like a bridge book and I feel like the pacing is a little slow in parts. It started to feel a little repetitive with Nova and Adrian circling around each other for 2/3 of the book and Nova being endlessly conflicted between duty and her own emotions.
That said, I still really enjoy this world and these characters. I have a few theories about the third book and can’t wait to see if I’m right. The ending was great and definitely upped the stakes.
I think I’ll have a better grasp of my overall feelings for this book once the third book comes out and I can read them in one go.