A girl who can speak to gods must save her people without destroying herself. A prince in danger must decide who to trust. A boy with a monstrous secret waits in the wings. Together, they must assassinate the king and stop the war.
3.5/5
Both times I’ve read this, I’ve done so via audiobook. And this time it was really hard to concentrate on the narrator for Serefin. I have no idea why, but every time it switched to his POV I cried a little inside because my ears didn’t like that narrators voice as much as compared to Nadya’s narrator. Also, will Malachiasz get a POV, because the want is real. I feel like during this reread I was able to submerse myself more into the story. Maybe it was because the world building was already a little familiar, I don’t know, but I am glad for it.
Let me just say that I love Nadya. She does not take deceit or deception from her allies well. I mean, she literally sucker punches someone because they lied to her. I love her. Nadya is definitely my current favorite, though several of the secondary characters are also wonderful. Serefin is all right I guess, I don’t really relate to him to much at this point? I’m really curious to see what he’ll do next though. Also for how dark this story and the world are, I feel like he’s too good?? We need more morally gray characters not cinnamon rolls right now okay Serefin ahah.
Then there’s Malachiasz. Like who even is this guy? Do we even know by the end? He has so many secrets, and I hope Nadya punches them all out of him at some point. I definitely do not trust him. But I also don’t think he’s as evil as he claims to be. There is a softness about him. It’s small but it’s there, so underneath all the darkness and monstrosity, I think there’s someone doing the best they can. Maybe?? I could be completely wrong tho haha.
The war between Kalayzin and Tranavia seems a bit pointless like all wars. But it’s all these nations have known. I loved the different views on magic and religion these countries had, it’s going to make for some very interesting peace talks. Also, the gods?? Like will we get answers about them at some point?? Are they even gods?? I don’t know and Nadya certainly doesn’t know anymore. Fingers crossed there will be some answers in Ruthless Gods.
Forever In A Story 