Keeping this brief because I have the next book and want to dive right in, but I know if I wait to review I'll get the two mixed up in my head. So.

As always, Schwab has done some really fantastic worldbuilding — I wouldn't want to be a Keeper because I would definitely be the first one knocked out in a fight, but I sure love reading about them. The characters are all interesting, if not all likable, and I wasn't hugely bothered by 

the abrupt relationship development between Mackenzie and Owen, and the mostly-implied love triangle that followed which was a pleasant surprise

.

The story itself is engaging, well-paced with a good mix of built-up gradual developments and sudden twists. There are a lot of flashbacks, not all of them necessary, but they fit in smoothly and add nuance to Mackenzie's backstory in particular. And though the ending is more of a pause than a full stop, it works for me.

As is not always the case with YA, I found that I cared far more about the actual main character than her love interest(s) [... which is how it should be, imo]. Wesley is great and I look forward to watching their relationship develop, but when things inevitably get messed up, I'll be Team Mackenzie all the way.

content warnings: 

loss of loved ones, blood, major injury, on-page murder

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CONVERSION: 12.9 / 15 = 4.5 stars

Prose: 8 / 10
Characters & Relationships: 8 / 10
Emotional Impact: 7 / 10
Development / Flow: 9 / 10
Setting: 10 / 10

Diversity & Social Themes: N/A
Intellectual Engagement: 4 / 5
Originality / Trope Execution: 5 / 5
Rereadability: 4 / 5
Memorability: 5 / 5