“You’re such a bad influence,” I murmured as I placed my hand in his.
Hawke curled his fingers around mine. The weight and warmth of his hand was a pleasant shock. “Only the bad can be influenced, Princess.”

Reread #1 Update: Still as great as last time! I think I enjoyed the story a little more now that I could understand the world a little bit better, and I hated Hawke a little less since I understood his motivations.

Original Review:
This book… has a lot of hype surrounding it, which was exciting because I often agree with the majority of readers. In many ways, this book lived up to my expectations, but in quite a few others it didn’t, so let’s get into it. This might take a while.

❦ The Plot ❦

First, the plot and the writing were amazing, and I have absolutely no complaints. There was a very obvious difference between this book and some of JLA’s older ones. The plot was intricately woven, and I enjoyed all the twists and turns.

“Death is like an old friend who pays a visit, sometimes when it’s least expected and other times when you’re waiting for her. It’s neither the first nor the last time she’ll pay a visit, but that doesn’t make any death less harsh or unforgiving.”

❦ Time Period ❦

I also found the time period to be surprisingly unique, which reinforced the interesting blend of paranormal and fantasy genres. Most YA paranormal books are set in the present time, and most fantasies are either far in the “past” or are futuristic. I really liked how this book blended the past and future and took place in a time where books aren’t usually set.

❦ World Building ❦

Unfortunately, because of how detailed and complicated the world building was, the first 50% of this book just couldn’t hold my attention. It was obvious the plot was still being set up, and I wish the actual storyline had started earlier on. But honestly, the last 20% made me completely forget my disappointment with the beginning.

❦ Poppy ❦

Anyway, let’s talk about the characters. Poppy was just perfect. She had almost all the qualities that I want to see in the protagonist of a YA fantasy. She was strong and brave and motivated and above all, honest.

“Fear and bravery are often one and the same. It either makes you a warrior or a coward. The only difference is the person it resides inside.”

❦ Hawke ❦

On the other hand, I’m sorry but I hated Hawke for the first 90% of the book and disliked him for the last 10%. (This is where I disagree with 99.9% of readers.) Ok, that may be a bit harsh, but I had heard so many good things about him and that was what I got?? Unfortunately, whenever I dislike the main character, my interest in the series plummets, and so his character was a big part of why I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5.

(Plot Spoilers) And let me make it clear that I didn’t dislike him because he was a morally grey character or because of all the lies he told Poppy. In fact, those things should’ve made me like him more because I was suspicious of the Ascended from the start, and had a feeling Poppy’s allegiance would be changing soon. Essentially, it was Hawke who I had been harbouring negative feelings for, not Casteel, so I’m hoping I like him more in the next book since he’ll no longer be pretending to be someone else.

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