Okay, so, obviously, this book has been insanely popular and hard to get your hands on. And there is reason for that. This is me telling you to not walk, but run, when more copies are in stock, okay?
I clearly didn't do a mid-point breakdown for this book because I was too busy reading. This will also be a short review because I'm still recovering. But I was hooked. We're talking staying up until 3 or 4 in the morning reading hooked, okay? I could not put this book down.
However, because I was in the process of moving (and still kind of am), I kind of had to. But let the record show it was not voluntary, but forced.
If you're been following my journey recently, then you know I've been on a whole SJM binge. Rhys was my #1 book boyfriend who could not be topped and no other book really gave me that feeling of complete destruction (but with love) that SJM has provided.
Then Rebecca Yarros entered the chat with Xaden Riorson. And holy heck. He is now my #1 book boyfriend. I didn't think it was possible. Rhys is perfection. But Xaden? I need him to be real and I need him to marry me.
Here's the best way to describe him:
Me: Where is he on a scale of 1 to "I'm Melting"?
Friend: I AM BURNING IN THE FIERY PITS OF HELL, THAT HOT.
I don't think I need to explain anymore.
My Thoughts
This book was so well-executed. It's one of those books everyone raves about, but you're not sure if it's worth the hype and it's definitely worth the hype.
I can't remember the last time I felt this strongly about a book since I finished my SJM reads. It was thought-provoking. It made me laugh and cry and want to strangle specific characters *cough cough* Dain.
The character development is one I haven't seen since reading ACOMAF. I loved how vulnerable yet strong Violet is. She is the definition of a strong female lead who uses her knowledge to her advantage.
The ending was something I wasn't expecting. I was laughing, crying, screaming. My copy is covered in notes. The annotations are unhinged. But my goodness, did I love this book. I already want to reread it.
I cannot wait for the second book. I'm not one to pre-order books, but I definitely pre-ordered this one. I needed to.
Really, this book deserves all the positive recognition it gets and Rebecca Yarros is a genius. I really wish I read this sooner.
Goodies
So, I had to create a playlist. Listen to it while you're reading or doing anything. It really made the experience that much better for me.
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-W9i2uH7PdZb_lPX7vySfsZDozhAWMSA&feature=share
Also, Cruel Summer is Xaden and Violet's song, tell me I'm wrong.
Last thing: Violence. That is all.