Amanda Foody

So a note to start: this isn't a complete story. It's more like a story that just ended halfway through a Save the Cat beat sheet. That said, I came to this because I needed a quick, entertaining read to give my brain a break from some of the crazy awesome stuff I've been reading lately. This did deliver that, in spades. Though the teenagers fighting each other to death thing has been done and overdone in the last decade, I found this take to be a super creative departure from what we're used to seeing. It's a modern day fantasy (low fantasy) so it takes place in our modern world, where everyone is able to use magic, but only 7 families can use HIGH magic, and every 20 years, one champion from each family fights to the death for the right for their family to control that high magic for the next 20 years.

I loved how campy this was. It turned a lot of the tropes in this niche on their heads and also pulled in some fairy tale references that were fun to tease out. The writing is simple, but clear. The pacing is great. All these pros outweighed the fac that there are some holes and inconsistencies in the storytelling. But I didn't pick this book up for a literary experience; I picked it up for a good time, and it delivered.

I'll be reading book two because it's the only way to finish the story, but if you're looking for something quick, easy, campy, and an old trope reinvented... this is for you!… (mer)

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I loved the first book (All of Us Villains) and so I was worried I was going to hype myself up too much for this book and not enjoy it as much....I did not overhype myself and I loved this one just as much! It wraps up really well and there aren't any loose ends but I don't want to be done with this world and these characters, I am so sad it is over! I am so so glad that these two authors are collaborating on another series together even if we do have to wait 2 years....

I was also worried that since I read the first book and I was listening to the second it wouldn't be the same but both of the narrators were amazing! They added so much to this book from their speaking speed and volume to really get you in the mood the scene is portraying. The male narrator really brought out the sound of the villain for the guys POV chapters he did and they were both excellent at the different tones of voice the characters were speaking in.

I haven't had a book hangover in a long time...but this one got me. Maybe I will have to listen to the first book now as well....and read the second book...just to make sure I get the full experience....… (mer)

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Teen for the ARC of this book.

Oh man...at 80% through this book I was thinking it was a standalone and I was enjoying it immensely and bummed it wasn't going to be a series so I checked and found it was a series, hooray! And then I was immediately thought "oh no, I'm 80% through and there is no way everything gets wrapped up in this book....it's going to end with nothing resolved isn't it?!" Ugh....but I can't wait for the next books! There is so much character development and twists - it really kept me entertained and wanting more (which is saying something given my current life circumstances).… (mer)