emmalouisepip's Reviews (1.81k)

Hardly a shock but Sanderson did it again. His writing here is so easy to digest. Once I started I didn’t want to stop. But at the same time I wanted to savior it since I now have to wait until the next installment is released.

I feel the audiobook definitely improved by enjoyment. The narrator just works for Spensa. I can easily just sit and listen and get lost in the world and story.

The world building is great. You learn more about nowhere as well as a little of the history and why everything is the way it is. I do like that Sanderson doesn’t do heavy info dumps. Instead he spreads it out throughout the book, not overwhelming me with all this information to learn and remember at once. While still giving me enough to not be confused.

The plot was not what I expected. But thats not a bad thing. Everytime I thought I knew where the story was going Sanderson threw in a twist. But I loved it. I was on the edge of my seat at the end.

The cliffhanger at the end. What? Are you kidding me? I’m now supposed to just wait for the next book? I have questions. Where does Spensa go next? What about the M-BOT situation? Jorgen and whatever he is up to? I need answers.

Spensa character growth was nice to see. I think I like her even more now. I love the relationship she has with M-BOT. The way they interact. M-BOT has to be my favourite character.

Speaking of M-BOT. I know they aren’t human but my heart broke a little during this. Especially the end. Someone protect M-BOT.

The Doomslug reveal surprised me. I really didn’t think they would play an important role. Just thought they were some unusual pet. But I’m intrigued where that goes next.

Some newer characters I enjoyed were Morriumur and the Kitsen. I would like to see them interact with the original group. Maybe join them. I think that would make an interesting group.

I liked how Sanderson handled the theme of prejudice and biases. It definitely added to the overall story and also added more to the characters. Sanderson doesn’t seem to use themes without making sure they play an important role in the overall story arc whether it be for a character or the world itself. There is always a reason he does things.

One thing I took from this is the message that people from different backgrounds or cultures or worlds can work together for the greater good. If you want the same thing you can be successful as a group.

Now I’m left to impatiently wait for book three. I hate this part.

I'm always excited to pick up a Shari Lapena book after loving all her previous works. So safe to say I had high expectations here. 

I found myself captivated from the very beginning. The pacing was fast and I was flying through it. I didn't want to put it down. Lapena makes you keep guessing, creating theory after theory, throughout. Jumping between who to trust and who you can't trust. When basically you can't trust anyone. 

My main theory ended up being wrong although that character wasn't good in any way. Just for different reasons. 

I was enthralled, enjoying every minutes. Until 85%. Then everything changed. We suddenly get the truth. Just given. So easily. But in a very anti climatic way. Which is why I couldn't give this 5 stars. The way the truth was just given like that. 

But then the rest of the book felt more rushed. Trying to fit in so much. The next "twist" I'll admit I didn't see coming. I didn't think that character would do that. But also we are given some hints throughout that she isn't OK. But at the time I assumed it was Erica causing it. But now I think postnatal depression and sleep deprivation played a big part in what she did. 

The epilogue thought left me wanting another book. Where we find out who did the thing that happens.