I've read a couple of other books by this author, and I have to say I think this one is her best yet. I felt the world building was a lot better, the writing tighter, and the plot and characters more interesting. The setting is dystopian -- not sure if it's an alternate world or if there was some sort of catastrophe, but it's definitely not our modern world. There are 2 sets of governments/countries, some technology, but at the same time it still has a pre-industrial feel to it with Fighting arenas gladiator style. I'd say it's in the vein of Mad-Max -- but it's not quite, they're more organized and it's not a total free-for-all.
The romance is definitely slow-burn and I'm not sure if it'll end up being an RH, but it seems to be heading that way (hopefully). In this first book, not a lot happens on the romance front -- mainly just the heroine meeting and getting to know all the heroes. There is one kiss, and several almost-kisses, but that's about it.
My only complaint was the heroine had several TSTL moments. For someone who is supposed to be pretty smart, she's pretty oblivious to what's going on around her. She takes things at face value and doesn't question what's really going on in any situation. I think the author meant for her to be naive, but there's a fine line between naive and stupid, and she's leaning more towards the latter...
For example,< (Mild spoiler) >
She doesn't realize, even by the end of the book, that she's being trained as some sort of spy? I mean come on, it was pretty obvious that's what the academy is teaching.
Also, another pet peeve of mine was that everyone keeps the heroine in the dark about very important information, for "her own good." Which was stupid. Keeping her ignorant only put her in more danger. Although, when she does find out an important piece of info about her heritage -- and how it puts her life in danger -- she kind of blows it off in another TSTL moment which, predictably, ends badly.
Other than those few minor complaints, I really loved this book and can't wait to see what the mystery is with the guys and what it means for their relationship with the heroine. I wouldn't say the book ends on a cliffhanger, exactly, but I wouldn't say it has a happy ending either. Everything is just kind of left open, the questions unanswered, waiting for the next book. Here's hoping the 2nd book comes out soon!
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