I'm slowly learning that I don't like adult high fantasy as much as young adult (which probably says something about my questionable taste in literature, but whatever). The Unbroken is still a great story, it just felt a bit slow to me.

Finally some aroace representation in sci-fi/fantasy!!!

This is the first anthology I've ever read, and I'm glad that it gets to be the first. It covers a variety of genres, ranging from contemporary to science fiction to fantasy and each story takes place in its own little universe. My favorite story was "The Mermaid's Sister," but I also really liked "Across the Stars," "Give up the Ghost," "Smells Like Teen Virgin," and "Nylon Bed Socks" (that one was super deep). And all of the protagonists are ace, if not aro so that's a bonus!

Thanks to Spoiler Alert at YCL for the ARC.

To say I am angry with the end of this book is an immense understatement.

Spoiler

I was so afraid that Kitay would die that I didn't even think to worry about Ramsa or Qara (two of my other favorites). And then Nezha? If he were real, he and I would no longer be on speaking terms.

At least my military history class knowledge finally came to be useful.

One of the worst reading experiences is when your imagination runs wild and you have a whole intricate plot planned out for what you think will happen in a book ... and then it doesn't happen.
Unfortunately, Steelstriker fell prey to this situation. The book wasn't bad, per say, but I had extremely high expectations and so I was disappointed when it didn't follow the path I had laid out for it in my mind.

Red is still one of my favorite characters of all time, though.

"'And what if the treasure was the friendships we solidified along the way?' Arthur asked.
Lucy pulled a face. 'That's the worst treasure in the world. They already were my friends. I want rubies'"(192).

This book was my reminder that wholesome books can be just as good as angsty ones. It made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

"'Yes...It's--unfortunate. We get trapped in our own little bubbles, and even though the world is a wide and mysterious place, our bubbles keep us safe from that. To our detriment...But it's so easy because there's something soothing about routine. Day in and day out, it's always the same. When we're shaken from that, when that bubble bursts, it can be hard to understand all that we've missed. We might even fear it. Some of us even fight to try and get it back. I don't know that I would fight for it, but I did exist in a bubble...Thank goodness you popped it'"(278-279).

"'Then I will stay with you...until the end.'"

This is my fourth...fifth...sixth?...time reading this book and it's still one of my all-time favorites.

Things I love about this book:
- Greco-Roman-inspired world with lots of magic!
- Jude and Anton, no explanation necessary
- the ANGST
- the way every piece of the book fits together like a puzzle at the end
- the color scheme of the world? I don't know if that makes sense but I like it
- the beginning of a found family...
- the foreshadowing...

Spoiler

every time Anton mentions how Jude's Grace calls out to him

"'I've been running for a long, long time,' Anton said, touching his thumb to Jude's brow. 'And you were the first thing that ever made me want to stay.' ... 'Your Grace called out to me...I found you...That means...I get to keep you'"(404).
Okay, to be fair, all of chapter 44 is, like, one of my favorite chapters of all time.

I still can't decide if I like this book more or less than the first. It's still an amazing book, but I think I liked book one better...except for the ending. The ending of book two is awesome.
The worldbuilding of this series is just incredible to me. I love the Greco-Roman vibes, especially with the map of what's definitely not the Mediterranean Sea. And the characters? I would give so much just to be a part of the little found family.
This series is so underrated it's not fair.

Also, I've read this book at least four times and I still forget that Illya's hair is brown...