5/5 Thoroughly gripping dark fantasy.
An intriguing cover and synopsis drew me into trying this book and I have to say it did not disappoint. A thoroughly engrossing dark fantasy that captures you from the first page, what a great opening to a story.
The initial part of the book had a fantasy Hunger Games vibe to it with the survival and competition elements that our protagonist, Malina finds herself in. No fluff, no disposition or build-up to what is about to transpire but straight into do-or-die where the only rule is to survive.
Our tale is told from the perspective of Malina, an Orphan girl who we learn over the opening few chapters was sold on the auction blocks and bought by a clandestine organisation with a hidden agenda.
Malina was a wonderful character, the dreams she has with her younger, dead brother Karston add a nice, mystical element to it. The story is action-packed and moves at a great pace and all the characters in it are uniquely distinct and interesting. There are some dark moments in the book and throughout it carries a sinister undertone, like death wrapped in Christmas paper.
The world-building is subtle and grows with the story and the human depiction through the soul gaze is morbidly grotesque and imaginative. Honestly, what a wonderful read. Just try the sample, the first chapter, and if that doesn’t grab your attention then I don’t know what will.
A D Green 