ryan_isreading's Reviews (195)

High Level Review: This book is entirely set up for the remainder of the series. I wouldn’t call this high quality, but I enjoyed it still. I would call this a CW show in book form.

Plot: In a magical realism setting where Gifted (magical) live among normal humans, they have big culture differences and existential threats. They have polyamorous relationships called bonds (multiple fated mates), but our FMC Oleander cannot live a normal life with her bonds, or else risk harming everyone around her. (It seems more plot will be revealed later in the series.)

Praise: I like the found family vibes, the trials that feel like if hunger games were a class you take at Gifted College, and the final action sequence. It absolutely made me want to pick up book two. It’s a quick and easy read with short chapters.

Critiques: The writing could feel all over the place at times. I got very frustrated with the never-ending teasing of (information to be revealed at the end of book one), which made me feel like it should have been  edited down and combined with book two?

CW/TW: Trauma, violence, bullying and harassment, sexual assault, death of loved one, forced relationships, fear of oneself, manipulation, torture, abduction, betrayal of a loved one

High Level Review: I love a good “rebel against the empire” story and I thought this book was worth the read!

Plot: A rag tag team of misfit, skilled thieves put their brains together to do some good. The tyrannical Lord Ruler has been at it long enough and we see the story unfold primarily through the lens of a young FMC, Vin.

Praise: I liked these characters and plot a lot. I also found myself excitedly explaining the very unique magic system to my husband, so that definitely shows that I liked that aspect. The found family and the last fourth of the book were wonderful and I will definitely pick up book two.

Critiques: Some details in the beginning of the book really dragged the story slowly. I think there could have been other ways to tell us the same information while keeping us moving. But maybe this just isn’t my favorite writing style.

CW/TW: Abuse, death, genocide, gore, murder, sex work, mention of sexual assault, slavery, torture, violence

While every Abby Jimenez book can be a standalone, they are grouped into series because there are threads between them. I feel strongly that you should read The Friend Zone before this one. You’ll see why. The book was giving feet kicking flirting and continued worthwhile friendships from book one. One incredible thing about AJ’s writing is reading about characters discovering themselves by making the effort to heal and keep moving forward.

This was my first Emily Henry book. I’ve since read others and this is probably my least favorite so far. So much unnecessary miscommunication or just lacking communication that doesn’t make sense for the characters (to me).