This book was a quick read and I enjoyed it mainly because it was exactly what it presents itself to be: a survival story. I’ve always enjoyed shows like “I Shouldn’t Be Alive”, which is why I decided to read this book in the first place. It read like an episode right off of the show. Matt’s relationship with his father was certainly a catalyst for how he ended up on the trip, but honestly by the time he was mentioned again it seemed a bit out of place, like the author forgot she’d mentioned him and then realized she should probably account for him somewhere. There were also some other random and unnecessary moments and “inner thoughts” that seemed out of place, but they’re easy enough to push pass.

Once the “survival” part of the story was over, it seemed like the ending was a bit lackluster, but I mean I came here for the story of the avalanche right? Not the aftermath. I also liked the various POV’s including The Hunter, which threw me off at first, but definitely added an interesting element during the story. Overall, I’m not sure if I’d read this story again, but I’m definitely intrigued enough to check out the author’s other survival novel.

I really enjoyed this book and I’m glad I added it to my collection. The story itself was pretty great and though the twist towards the end was pretty unexpected (for me at least), I can’t say that I disliked what it added to the story.

I’m definitely not an expert on OCD, nor can I say whether or not this is an accurate portrayal. In fact, I know that not everyone’s experiences are like the main character Sam’s and while the author did showcase Sam’s daily struggles, I’m sure that there are some who feel like it was a glossy, fantasy, somewhat fairy tale version of what OCD is. With that being said, I don’t think that takes away from what the author was trying to get across or the story that she was trying to tell. I may not be able to relate to everything Sam was experiencing mental health wise, but I found myself relating to her on some levels and rooting for her throughout the story. No, I wasn’t expecting a “cure” or a perfect ending wrapped up in a neat little bow, but I did find myself hoping that she would find a way to work towards being happy by the end of the book and I’m glad she did.

A full 3 seems too high for this book, but a 2 feels to low so let’s just say 2.75. I think I fall in the middle with this book. I didn’t hate it, but I’m 99% sure I won’t be reading it again. It was just....ok. The characters weren’t really memorable or enticing, but I did appreciate the female friendship displayed throughout the book and even at the end. I honestly just wish I didn’t find so many of the characters annoying.

2.5. This was definitely a quick read. I literally started it and finished it within a couple of hours. I did enjoy the first book, though it certainly had its faults, but this one just sort of fell flat for me. There seemed to be a lot of missing pieces in an attempt to continue the story. The “love triangle” seemed like it was supposed to be a main plot device or the story, but it just seemed like it was being forced down our throats. There wasn’t a connection between Kali and Ashwin and her “inner turmoil” about her so called feelings for him just didn’t seem believable. Also, I felt like the author was trying to hint at the fact that certain events, like the soldiers and people falling sick was part of a bigger scheme, but even that was sort of abandoned and unexplained after awhile. I did enjoy the camaraderie that developed between Natesa and Kali in this book, so that was a bright spot.

Overall, I wasn’t entirely impressed, but it won’t stop me from reading the next book in the series simply because I’d like to see if the story and writing improves and I’m interested in seeing what happens next.

I definitely enjoyed this book a LOT better than the second book in the series. I think that is ultimately writing this review, even though I didn't review the first novel. This definitely redeemed the story of Kali for me. Even though the "triangle" was still there, once the reasoning was revealed I was able to appreciate what it added to the story, even though I'm still not a fan of the triangle as a plot device in the second book. I suppose though it did lay the groundwork for some of what happened in the Rogue Queen, so ok. I really enjoyed the attention that was paid to the other sister warriors in the book, both from the other lands and from the ranis/courtesans. Kalinda confronting her past and childhood was also a nice touch. All in all, I'm glad I decided to read this one.

Now, as a side note I feel like the story could have totally ended here, but since there's another book coming I guess I'll be adding that to my "Want to Read" list.