Let's Talk Books

This book was a fun and easy read, and I found some elements of it really compelling. I think the characters here really stand out, and whilst more is definitely needed in way of backstory, Marie Lu has left herself open to delve into those areas in a sequel. I enjoyed the emotional complexity of the two heroes, both in their relationships with each other and the wider cast of characters, and their relationships with the world.

Whilst the characters were fantastic, I did struggle with the plot in places. This is one of those books that is deeply predictable, but not necessarily in a bad way. You know where it’s heading in a reliable, conventionally YA kind of way, and I don’t think that is inherently a bad thing. That being said, I did struggle with some of the more out-of-the-blue plot twists, which felt a little try-hard in the otherwise comfortably predictable novel. I think for me these became ‘jump the shark’ moments where even my suspended disbelief was tested.

Spoilers below:

I did enjoy the lack of miscommunication. I think that’s a very common trope in novels like this, and I enjoyed reading a romance that was halted because of legitimate reasons, rather than manufactured reasons. Similarly, I really enjoyed how that final battle is wrapped up, I think it was a really refreshing change to have out heroes fight valiantly, but ultimately need to be bailed out; it’s so common in novels like this to have one or both protagonists suddenly tap into a seemingly bottomless well of ability, or an equally contrived deus ex machina twist. This felt much more grounded in the story.

Overall it was a good book, I would recommend it as a beach / plane read to a friend, or any teenage relative. I don’t think this is one for readers who are hoping for a serious spy thriller; there are stakes here, and some good action moments, but you remian confident the hero is going to get out alive.