This was a well-done young adult fantasy dystopian novel. I really didn't know what my reaction was going to be, and I am glad I chose to go through with reading this one!

I was impressed by the world-building of the Skylands and the way that Marc J. Gregson captured classism through the low, mid, and high society members. Everything seemed to fit pretty well in explaining and setting up the world, so I felt comfortable with the story when things really kicked off.

I was of course immediately drawn in by the societal divide, Gargantons, and the Gauntlet. This story very much gave Divergent meets The Hunger Games meets YA Fourth Wing. 

One small thing that was a bit annoying while reading was that some of the language felt a bit silly and almost forced to be unique, like the constant use of "birdshit" as a name-call. With this being said, I am reading this from an adult perspective, and I think that the intended audience may be okay with the choice of language and even find it a silly addition to the story.  

For being a beefy book, it was fast-paced and definitely action-packed. The middle slowed pace a little bit, but I am very impressed by this debut novel, and I am curious and excited to pick up the second book when it comes out!