First line, Chapter 1: "When it finally appeared in the distance, Finnikin wondered if it was some phantom half-imagined in this soulless kingdom at the end of the world."

THIS BOOK RIGHT HERE was exactly what I needed. There was disappointment, there was trauma, and the emotions were so honest to human experience in times of war. But there was beauty and hope and promise. The writing was amaZing and the suspense was gripping. The story felt full and the ending was satisfying in all ways.

This is a great introduction for teens to more gritty fantasy like A Song of Ice and Fire.