The SASSy Book Club discussion

Discuss all your thoughts here from chapter 41 to the end!
What are your final thoughts?
What did you rate it?
Will you be picking up the sequel?

SPOILERS!!!
I just wrote a review for this, so I won't write too much here. I rated this 4.25 stars because I thoroughly enjoyed it, but I found it a little hard to get into because I wasn't the biggest fan of Laia. She definitely grew on me and developed as a character and I can't wait to see her develop more in the sequel. I love Elias, he is definitely my favourite character! I don't really get Keenan, I don't really see why he's a love interest here because she barely knows him and we don't really get to know him either! I kinda wish Helene died because I'm not a fan. I'm excited to pick up the sequel and see how Laia and Elias get on with their journey to Kauf.

By the way, my pronunciation of everything in the liveshow is gonna be terrible, just warning y'all!
Don't forget to join us on September 10th at 1pm PST/4pm EST/9pm GMT to discuss everything over on my channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SamanthasBooks

I absolutely LOVED this book!

Spoilers!!!

I loved all the elements woven into this story! Political intrigue, mystical beings, prophecies, adventure, suspense! I read this in two days and I can't wait to pick up the sequel! The way the prophecies of the Augurs came together in less expected ways was refreshing. I can't help but feel for Helene though. As a girl who has been stuck as the "best friend" before, I know how much it sucks. But I admire her selflessness when it comes to Elias and her almost blind faith. Hopefully her character will still grow to see right from wrong instead of just the empire. I really loved the character development of Elias and Laia (both individually and together!) I definitely ship Elias/Laia... ELaia...?
As a side note, I can't wait to see if there will be a romance between Izzy and Keenan!

Just finished this book!! I honestly think Elias, Laia, and Helene were each developed and revealed thoughtfully. I felt the most sympathy for Elias, but I enjoy having protagonists who frustrate me, like Laia, as it gives so much room for growth. Her transition into her warrior self is rocky and slow and full of self hate, which is realistic and human.
I also think Helene was just so fascinating because you switch between liking her and thinking "GODDAMNNUTTTT HELENE WHY YOU DO THAT?"
The pace just kept gaining momentum. I could rarely put down the book.
I will say the writing flows well and reads elegantly, but sometimes the inspirational tone edged into cliche and maudlin. Also, for some reason the overuse of similes annoyed me.
Overall, still a really engrossing read.

Wait. I just realized the Nightcrawler stuff wasn't resolved. Gahhhhhhhhhhh now I need more resolution...

I really liked this book and the fast pace of it. I went thought the whole thing without noticing and I am a really slow reader.

I'm really excited for the supernatural side of this story. I have a thing for myths and "native" stories. So I'm definitely reading the next book.

I couldn't follow the live chat but I watched it later and it seems that Laila was not a favorite but I did like how she recognized that she was "weak and coward" and tried to get over those walls not being successor every time. It made her more relatable for me because I mean the situations she has been through we're not the easiest ones and it kind bothers me when heroines are just freaking good at everything and rise to every occasion.

I don't know just some late babbling about the book. Haha...

Haha this is super late but I just read everybody's comments and I gotta agree that I'm intrigued about the supernatural aspect of this book, especially about the Nightcrawler. Like what's going to happen with him?!?!!?!