This book was delightful.

I always seem to be at a loss for how to describe books from Nnedi Okorafor, because they are so different from so much of what I've read in the past, but they always are amazing.

Listening to Obama tell his story was like a breath of fresh air after this year and this current presidency. I had almost forgotten that politicians could be sane and reasonable humans.

My full review is here on my personal website. I'll post a few excerpts here, though:

4.0 out of 5.0 stars

The very worst thing about this book is that it is yet another twist on Cinderella.

The very best thing about this book is how interesting the twist is. A perfectly obedient child that rebels as best as she can until she finally breaks the hold of the curse. I’ve seen the movie countless times (and love it) so I was expecting the characters to be a bit older, but I’m thrilled with the book and, naturally, I love it more than the movie. Except for the music. This book didn’t come with an awesome soundtrack like the movie. O_o

Okay, but why did I never hear about this book back when it was newer?!

It's AMAZING and exactly the kind of book I love! But the only reason I've heard about it now is because the author had a newer book come out on the Rick Riordan Presents imprint and, after loving that book, I looked up other works from the author.

I'm only postponing starting the second book because it's almost midnight and I have to go to work in the morning. Otherwise I would just stay up all night reading.

Oh my Nokley... These books are like Percy Jackson and those in the Rick Riordan Presents label, but so much darker. I love it.

My favorite bit of this book was when Ash essentially has an existential crisis over morality, good vs evil, and what side he's on.

"That's not how it is. I'm not the bad guy here' said Ash.
Savage just smiled. But he was wrong. Wasn't he?

I had a few problems with some of the sound effects (chewing and other more disgusting sounds), but the story was delightful. I'm looking forward to the next one where I'm going we get to see the dragons again!

Wow. I knew I would love this. The cover, the people that gave praise, the names attached - I knew it. Then I discovered it was in verse and was a little worried I would have trouble reading through. But no. It followed magically and beautifully!

My absolute only complaint is that there's no proper ending. Which I feel may have been done to leave the readers feeling like it might be happy. But in all honesty, we know the criminal justice system in this country - it is unlikely that there is a happy ending here.

If you know nothing about our justice system, read this. And then do some research. It's barely touched on, but our prison system is becoming more and more profit based and that is not okay.

AAAAAHHHHH!!! That one issue that had been bugging me is FIXED!! This ending made it all worthwhile!! It was so good! And sad, but perfectly so. I'm adding this series to my "highly recommended" list!!

I picked this for the cover and boy am I glad I did!! This story was wonderful!! I couldn't stop listening and I've already started the second one!!

My only gripe is something that happens at the end and including it would be a rather large spoiler. The story is not negatively impacted, it's just a personal issue of mine.

That one thing from the first book that I didn't like it's a bit more pronounced in this book. But it doesn't matter because the book is amazing!! I'm ready to start the third book now, I just wish I had more time to devote to just books!