I understand why this book is a classic. But it’s ~just~ interesting enough to read outside of an academic setting, like enough to keep you going but still be disappointed.

This book is 4.5 stars, it is insanely entertaining and extremely well written. The world building is not as good as like, a high fantasy novel, but it doesn’t need to be because what matters most here is the family relationships and the color. Ultimately the only reason this book is not a 5/5 is because of the prevalence of r*pe in the book. I understand it’s purpose and how it matters to the discussion of golds and humanity, however it feels extremely too large of a theme here.

Darrow has no right to be a likable character quite honestly, he’s arrogant in every way. And yet, because of how well Pierce crafts the inner monologue, the arrogance accompanies subtle humbleness and love that makes him someone you simply want to root for. His hatred of goals, and yet his love for them create a refreshingly complicated character who is more than a martyr, but a leader.

This book is 3.5 stars! It is really good, but it felt like a sprint. Something is happening CONSTANTLY, and it just felt a bit exhausting to get from the beginning to the end. It’s super well written and all the characters are so well developed that it’s not bad the way it’s done, just exhausting.

My biggest gripe with Darrow is his inability to listen to Mustang about her brother. If he had listened ~earlier~ then perhaps things would’ve been different in the end.

Big fuck Roque… his poetic justice and his “honor” is just insufferable (this is a re-read for me and I will say I loved him the first time around, but this time, I just don’t).

Best part of this book is Darrow finally getting back to Lykos!

3.5 stars!
Ending is fantastic.

This book is the hardest to get through of the 7 because it’s simply you reading Harry dealing with being depressed for the year and it caps off with the death of Sirius.