Genre: YA Fantasy
Pages: 400
Published: 2021
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Publisher’s Synopsis:
“The Blood Moon rises. The Blood Veil falls. The Tournament begins.
Every generation, at the coming of the Blood Moon, seven families in the remote city of Ilvernath each name a champion to compete in a tournament to the death.
The prize? Exclusive control over a secret wellspring of high magick, the most powerful resource in the world–one thought long depleted.
This year, thanks to a salacious tell-all book, the seven champions are thrust into worldwide spotlight, granting each of them new information, new means to win, and most importantly: a choice – accept their fate or rewrite their story.
But this is a story that must be penned in blood.”
My Review:
I really enjoyed this book! It pulled me out of a serious reading slump. I typically read between 12-16 books a month, but in the month of August I only barely managed to get through 6 books. This book has renewed my spark and I’m so glad for it. I love morally grey characters, and this one definitely delivers on that.
All of our protagonists are, in their own ways, a villain. But they are also victims as well. Victims of tradition, of their family’s expectations, and of each other. My favorite character is, of course, Alistair Lowe. Who doesn’t love a misunderstood bad-boy with a good heart?
The magic system is intricate, with plenty of interesting lore. The plot is an epic of intrigue, alliances forming and breaking, intense battle scenes, and There are unexpected twists and turns as each character is acting on their own specific motivations.
I love the writing style and tone given to each person. The excerpts from an important text written within the story that are at the beginning of each chapter give more insight into the world.
The story gives me the same vibes as The Atlas Six, with its secret magic society and a unique cast of people competing in a dangerous game. This first book ended with some serious cliff hangers and I can’t wait to pick up the next book soon! If you love YA fantasy that is dark and harrowing with multiple in-depth POVs, you will surely love this book as much as I do.
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