Unapologetically Queer 

Mexican Inspired Fantasy 

Hunger Games Like Trials 

Gender and Body Dysphoria 

Romantic SUBplot (friends to enemies to lovers) 

 

 

This story was really interesting to read. I enjoyed the Mexican inspired mythology as well as the way the trials are set up. I felt all the tension throughout the trials. The world is also very inclusive of all identities, which I love. It’s a nice juxtaposition from our own world. The world building overall was just *chef’s kiss*. 

 

Characters are well-developed and unique, though there are a lot of them and it takes a second to keep them all straight. (And if you haven’t seen the character cards yet, what are you DOING?). Even the relationships were well developed and believable. 

 

Also, I read this book in February, because for some reason my brain thought the second one came out in April. Very disappointed that it comes out in SEPTEMBER. But it is fine. Everything is fine. That ending doesn’t have me hanging on the edge of my seat eagerly anticipating the sequel.