I admit that I read this one more because of the internet pressure more than anything else. I had been seeing this book all over Bookstagram, and book lovers were raving about it. Who am I to pass up a popular YA book about journalism with a dash of mythology and a sprinkle of magical realism? I mean, I’m not stupid!
While all the ravings about how this was a favorite book of many readers, I found myself in the smaller portion of readers who, while I really enjoyed the book, didn’t put it as one of my favorites of the year. It was good, really good. Maybe even great. Obviously, I’m struggling to find the best adjectives to describe my overall thoughts, so I’ll just get into the specifics.
Iris wants nothing more than to earn the columnist position at the Oath Gazette, but she is up against Ronan who has the influence of a wealthy family. After Iris’s mother dies, losing her battle with addiction, she decides to become a correspondent for the war that is raging between the Gods in hopes of finding the only family she has left, her brother Forest. In the midst of everything, Iris writes letters to her brother that she places in her wardrobe that magically disappear only to be replaced with letters in response….but not from her brother.
One of my favorite aspects of the book is the magical typewriters that have found their way into the hands of our two main characters. The story behind them is almost just as perfect. The fact that only Ronan knows exactly who he is corresponding with adds to the development of the characters. He falls quickly for her, but Iris remains stubborn and ignorant. This clearly plays a huge role in how they interact with each other when they are in the office of the Gazette.
I don't think you realize how strong you are, because sometimes strength isn't swords and steel and fire, as we are so often made to believe. Sometimes it's found in quiet, gentle places.
What I love about this type of book is that it is really hard to fit it into a genre box. There are parts that make it historical fiction and also, this may be really weird and hard to understand why I’m saying it, gothic-y. As I read the book, it played out in my head like a black and white movie. I felt that it was playing on one of those old time film reels. The atmosphere creates the mood that is partial based in desperation and partial based on hope. These feels become an almost tangible extension of everything surrounding the characters.
It is a time of war…a battle between warring Gods when newspapers are also warring with each other to get the exclusive stories. The clicking of typewriters is an almost audible sound as you read.
The writing is beautiful. There is an element that makes it sound poetic, but I think it is important to note that it is a YA book and it very much reads as one. The plot is very much character-driven; enhanced and elevated with the power of the words and the stylistic approach. The characters are real; you can feel them.
Iris is desperately seeking safety and stability. Her brother is MIA at the front lines, and she comes home daily to uncertainty with her mothers addiction. When writing becomes her comfort, her outlet, she finally feels like she has something that will help her get through the challenges of life. She finally has a spark in the gloom. But, she is brave, compassionate and resilient. Ronan seems like the picture of perfection, but the depth of his character is what makes me love him. It also reflects the idea that you just never know what someone is going through just by appearance or brief interactions. He comes across as arrogant and cocky, but as the story progresses he softens, and he lets the reader into his heart. Clearly, they are destined to be together.
I view this book in two parts: 1) Before Iris goes to the war front and 2) After she gets to the war front. Part two is much more exciting. The emotional roller coaster that Ross takes the reader on becomes powerful, and the ending will leave you eager for book 2.
The plot is creative and fresh, and I loved all the supporting characters you meet like Marisol and Attie. Iris finds her family in the people she meets and stays with. They become her tether to reality and life when nothing else makes sense.
My favorite season is autumn, because my mum and I both believed that’s the only time when magic can be tasted in the air.
And of course, the mythological element is hiding in the shadows. While the Gods are battling, the focus of this book really isn’t the war or the Gods. We learn about them as Iris learns more, and the ending is tied directly to them, but I feel that the sequel, Ruthless Vows will be where the Gods, Enva and Dacre, will really take a more prominent role. I just wish there was more with this aspect in this one.
Where does this land on my bookshelf?
For sure, on the top shelf. I really enjoyed reading it. It was different from a lot of what you see in YA right now. The atmospheric heaviness holds you in place and makes it really hard to put down. The characters are flawed and real and emotional. Magic is woven throughout with the subtlety that makes it feel real vs magical. I feel that if I hadn’t seen this one so much on social media and had it hyped up so much, I would be one hyping it up. For whatever reason, I struggle with feeling the same as those who have this as one of their absolute favorite reads, which is a shame. Overall this book is great, and I highly recommend it!
Don’t forget to check out my other fun sites!
Website for book lovers: www.azdesertbookworm.com It has links to my podcast Speaking LITerally, book reviews, breaking literary news, games, links to small businesses and more! I update it at least once a week! I also have a lot of content on my Instagram! Check it out - @azdesert_bookworm
Speaking LITerally podcast! Our monthly misadventures into all things literary. Separated the Atlantic, Liz and I come together in our love of reading!!! Find us wherever you listen to your other favorite podcasts! Click here to find us on iHeartRadio!
If you are really bored, you can read about some of my personal adventures in life raising two teenagers, commentating on professional wrestling shows and loving a husband who is fighting Chronic Myeloid Leukemia and all the lesson I learn along the way. Educate This.