This is mainly because I retained nothing.

Warbreaker majority of the time felt like the first book in a series. Setting up several stories to build over multiple books. Which I would have loved. But then the last 50-100 pages felt a little rushed to finish everything. While still leaving it open enough for any future books Sanderson may write.
I will happily read more from this world. Especially Vasher and Vienna. Where their journey takes them.
This book made me laugh more than any of his others. The sarcastic characters like Lightsong, who I loved and wish we could get more from, and Denth, who I loved at first.
It was nice to see Vasher and Vienna have a platonic relationship. Even if Vasher acted like he couldn’t stand her. I think he does like having her around. At least that’s what I’ve chosen to believe. Especially considering the ending. I do wish we got more scenes of them together
Siri and the God King had an interesting relationship. It was nice but I feel like I needed to see more of a development between them.
I’ve mentioned him before but I loved Lightsong. His personality really lightened the mood occasionally which was needed. His character development was amazing. How in the end he realised how important he is and how he can help save everyone from war with one sacrifice. Part of me wants a whole book just for him. There are years of his life as a God to use. I know it won’t happen but I love his character.
Nightblood is hilarious. Who knew a sword could be one of my favourite characters.
The story itself was interesting. I would say it feels different from his other books but I can’t really explain why. All his books I’ve read are political but this felt more. Although I was never confused by the world and why things were happening.
Due to each character having their own personality and voice jumping between POV including mid chapter never bothered me like it usually does. Every time it flowed well enough that it never took me out of the story.
There are a few twists throughout this and I don’t think I saw any of them coming. Especially the last two major ones. I just didn’t question who certain people were. I just took them at face value. Each twist worked to develop the next part of the story. Nothing felt too extreme or just there for added drama. Each thing made sense when looking at the story as a whole.

Going into this I only knew 19th century Italian backdrop with witches. So I was pleasantly surprised at the seven Princes of Hell, each representing a deadly sin. We don’t meet them all but I’m intrigued to if we meet the rest in book two.
Due to my reading mood this took a few chapters to get into. But once I sat down and properly read I found myself captivated by this world, characters and story. Not wanting to put it down.
Kerri Maniscalco writing creates an dark intense atmosphere I couldn’t get enough of.
When it comes to the characters created Wrath is a brooding Prince of Hell. Cocky, arrogant, powerful, morally gray flirt you can’t help but love. The instant chemistry with Emilia, the banter and bickering had me at one point blurting out JUST KISS ALREADY. Talk about a potential slow burn romance. At least I hope that’s where its heading. I just love them together.
The added mystery regarding the murders intrigued me. Although I didn’t find myself trying to figure it out. Instead just letting myself enjoy the book and see if anything stood out as a clue. I was surprised by the reveal.
The cliffhanger has left me wanting more ASAP. I need to know about basically everything. The curse, Wrath and Emilia relationship, Pride, the other Princes.


*received a copy from Net Galley for an honest review*

Knowing Assassin’s Apprentice was a slow start made me worry a little picking this up. Especially since I was barely out of my reading slump. Then add that this had long chapters. Some being 30 pages long. For some reason long chapters slow me down. Thankfully I was listening while reading along so they never felt too long.

This was definitely easier for me to get into. Maybe its knowing Hobb’s writing style made it easier I’m not sure. But I felt like I was reading 100 pages easily. Which meant I ended up finishing this after a week when I had planned 10-14 days.

Even by the end of this I’m not 100% sure where this trilogy will go. I have a vague theory but that’s about it. All I know for sure is more heartache.

When it comes to the Serpents I have more questions. Not much is explained about them. What’s the issue with them? What part do they play overall? Why are they there? I’m intrigued to find out.

I was a little nervous about having multiple POVs. Sometimes I find myself too lost to enjoy what’s going on. However I had no issues here. Each POV had a distinct voice so even when they switched mid chapter it easily flowed and I was never confused or lost to who’s story we were following.

Hobb doesn’t go easy on her characters. She seems to be a lot harsher on them. You should never assume things will get better because chances are they won’t. Which makes this a more heartbreaking read. Especially as she also knows how to make you love the characters she is hurting.

Kennett POV at least until the very end didn’t interest me too much. I think I was wondering more about how his story would connect with the others. Since he was the only one really not connected straight away to the other main characters. But by the end I’m left intrigued by him. I’m not sure if I like him or not. I need more from him I think before I can really decide how I feel.

Unlike Kennett I have no problem knowing if I like Wintrow or not. I think he is stronger than he and everyone else thinks. The amount Hobb puts him through in this book alone makes me worry for him for the next two books. I just know its probably going to get worse for him. I feel so much sympathy for him. My heart broke a few times due to how he was treated.

When it comes to Brashen and Althea I’m intrigued about the potential relationship hinted during this book. I do wonder where that goes. If anywhere. I also liked their chapters the most I feel. The determination from Althea to get her ship back from Kyle. Which I do wonder what happens there due to how this books ends.

Malta is an annoying brat. But I think that’s the point. I do hope she matures and doesn’t turn into like her father as the trilogy progresses. Keffria I feel needs more confidence in herself to discipline her daughter and take charge of situations and not let her mother, Ronica, take over.

Paragon and Vivacia were interesting to see their personalities. Although I am more interested in Paragon. I just think he has a big backstory I want to learn more about. While Vivacia only just quickened so she is finding her way. But I do see some bad things coming for her. I think from the start she wasn’t treated with respect or love and that will definitely come into play.

The story itself is hard to explain without spoilers. But this book is definitely introducing you to the main characters and setting up the first parts of their individual stories. But the end they are starting to all connect more. Especially Kennett being introduced to Wintrow and Kyle.

When I finished this I wanted to pick up the next book straight away. I want to see what happens next and find out what the serpents are all about.

DNF @ page 170

This split into three parts. Each part I felt became more predictable and less intense.

Part one was easy to get into. I was flying through it. But this part is mainly setting up the scene. I would say pay attention to everything as the beginning of part two may throw you off like it did me.

The beginning of part two I was confused. I thought I had been reading it wrong the whole time. But I feel like this was done intentionally. At least I hope so.

The confusion was caused due to the fact it felt like the POV of certain characters switched. But as I continued reading things fell into place and started to make more sense.

I think because this is inspired by Misery, at least I think so considering how similar is it, the book became very predictable. Especially as I had read Misery a couple of months before. There were enough differences but overall I think it made this harder to be shocked by. Although there were a few twists I was surprised by.

The police were useless in this. They didn’t really care which is probably why Sam wasn’t found so easily. But I felt Annie was great once she really put her mind to it. But the big “save” was definitely underwhelming.

The ending and the big reveals as to why everything happened I felt were a little weak. I was underwhelmed. But if I remember correctly I felt the same with Misery.

The last 20% didn’t give me the same “edge of my seat” feeling that I had the beginning of part two when things were starting to happen.

Overall this was a fast paced read. Once I sat down to read it time flew by. I was hooked. I was intrigued to know what happened.

I had multiple suspects. Even one who I couldn’t really figure a motive out. But I just had a feeling he was hiding something. Which is turns out technically he was. But not a bad thing. He was actually a nice guy. My bad.

The other suspects I kept bouncing between. If I thought I had settled on someone the next second a new clue or hint would emerge making me question my theory. I could never just pick someone.

Basically if you knew Olivia you were a suspect to me. I couldn’t trust anyone.

The reveal made the most sense. Especially with a few clues and hints given but I’m not sure if I like it or not. Part of me expected something else.
I don’t know what but maybe having so many theories and suspects it would be hard to shock me. So I feel off about it.

I was a bit underwhelmed by the reason behind Abi lying to Olivia about who her father was. I just expected some darker reason than that. I get why she felt some fear. But at the same time I just thought dumb scared kid.

The ending itself. Well the last chapter and the epilogue were heartbreaking. I felt so sad for them.

This was a solid mystery and I’m definitely wanting to pick up something else by Christina McDonald.

Trigger warnings: suicide (mentioned as it happens in the past),