Genre: YA Fantasy
Release Date: September 19th, 2023
Pages: 480
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Publisher’s Synopsis:
“Behind every great hero is an Aristene.
Aristene are mythical female warriors, part of a legendary order. Though heroes might be immortalized in stories, it’s the Aristene who guide them to victory. They are the Heromakers.
Ever since she was an orphan taken in by the order, Reed has wanted to be an Aristene. Now, as an initiate, just one challenge stands in her way: she must shepherd her first hero to glory on the battlefield. Succeed, and Reed will take her place beside her sisters. Fail, and she’ll be cast from the only home she’s ever known.
Nothing is going to stop Reed–until she meets her hero. Hestion is fiery and infuriating, but what begins as an alliance becomes more, and as secrets of the order come to light Reed begins to understand what becoming an Aristene may truly cost. Battle looming, she must choose: the order and the life she had planned, or Hestion, and the one she never expected.”
My Review:
OMG I am obsessed with this book! I was immediately hooked and completely absorbed the entire time. Honestly, it’s so freaking good I can’t even express it in words. Badass, immortal, women warriors who are responsible for all the glory of the world’s greatest heroes? Say less!
The characters really come to life and I felt every emotion right along with them. I’m so glad we got to actually experience Reed’s backstory, rather than it just being told to us. I connected with her on a much deeper level. Her feisty colt stole my heart! The relationships and dynamics between Reed and other characters had me swooning, heartbroken, heated, overjoyed, and everything in between.
The world building is magnificent. The lore, politics, and magic systems are all expertly crafted. I was totally immersed in this story and I never wanted to leave.
The pacing of the plot is impeccable and there’s never a dull moment. The tension builds into an explosive crescendo. It’s one continuous exciting journey. There are moments that will bring tears to your eyes. There are moments of dread that make you pause, where you know something bad is going to happen and you just aren’t ready to handle the fallout of it yet.
This is a story unlike anything else I’ve read. I mean, wow, was this a nice breath of fresh air after reading so many cookie-cutter books. This story is one that will stick with you – the characters are endearing, the world is enchanting, the events are harrowing and tumultuous.
This book is fantasy perfection. The kind of story everyone hopes they write. Kendare Blake is proving to be a master of writing with this one.
I cannot recommend it highly enough. You absolutely have to read this book! I see this series easily becoming everyone’s newest obsession and I’m here to be an early pioneer for hyping it up. I’m gonna die waiting over a year for the next one. I loved this one so much I’ll probably get a physical copy and re-read it right before the next one comes out.
Disclaimers:
Huge thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for gifting me an early copy of this amazing story! I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Have you read this book? Planning to add it to your TBR?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
I love a good book discussion. 🙂
Leave a Reply