I haven’t read the other books in this world, but I ended up loving this anyway. I was so interested to see how the POVs tied together, the worldbuilding was great. I’ve read a lot of YA fantasy lately, & at first it seemed really similar to some I’ve read lately, but then it took a huge departure & the plot was more elaborate than I anticipated.

“For the people” was a blood soaked shield brandished by tyrants everywhere.

Bailed at 37%  I’ve followed the author on insta for a while. She describes it as a “why choose/reverse harem inspired by ACOTAR with spice from book 1” & I was like “ok I ❤️ trash, let’s go” but 50% in aside from the fae being divided into “Starlight, Forest courts, etc.” nothing is like ACOTAR, the worldbuilding isn’t luscious, the characters aren’t strong archetypes, the dialogue is terrible, &the spice finally arrived with the FMC witnessing a very unsexy orgy

The mystery was good BUT there are some very icky racial stereotypes that I’m sure were quite “normal” 24 years ago… but ew. 

At first the POV changes were a bit daunting (many had a similar tone, Lena being the exception) but it ended up being a good mystery about a small town and the river that run through it which going back to the witch trials has been note to be a suicide spot -and/or a place to get rid of difficult women.

It was good, a little overloaded between the plot & the magic system (a few things seemed convoluted). The characters were relatable & the metaphor to real world prejudice & atrocities came across well.

Stunning. Collins is a genius. I loved the original trilogy, & while I had mixed feelings on Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, SOTR gave me a new appreciation for it. Haymitch’s experience from the opening to epilogue was heartbreaking & inspiring.

Super cute. Fluffy romance, a fair amount of spice, a silly initial premise with an interesting side plot. Nothing super outside of the norm and if you’ve read Hibbert’s older works it’s very true to her formula, which is fun, racy & inclusive but not breaking new ground (especially if you don’t care for secret royals)

Loved it, the worldbuilding expands to new lands & the action is intense! It’s much shorter and faster paced than the 2 prior novels

I enjoyed this, especially the added POVs. One plotline in particular I felt dragged

Bree and Nick disguised/the confessionals

and there was not enough Sel -but when he was there.. wow! Excited for whatever is next