This a prequel to Johansen's series, "The Tearing." I absolutely loved Books 1 and 2, and Book 3 was okay - not quite the ending I was hoping for, but I very much wanted to read the prequel as I just fell in love with the world of the Tearling and the characters.

The book is about one of the more detested characters of the series, Kelsea's mother, Elyssa. Kelsea has a vision of her mother as vain and cruel, but as we discover in the prequel, she didn't start out like that. She's actually a very thoughtful person who doesn't take kindly to injustice.

Enter another detested character from the series, Arlen Thorne. You'll learn his origins, his reasons for hating Queen Arla and his Elyssa and his need for revenge which he does take and Elyssa is the target.

Complicating matters is Mace/Christian, who has grown up in the tunnels under New London and while he's seen his fair share of cruelty, there is always a speck of hope in him.

You'll learn here how Kelsea was conceived and why she went to live with adopted parents.

This book required critical thinking - and not a lot of it - but you'll miss the clues that are staring you right in the face if you read too quickly.

I liked the character of Mace, who is always striving for something better. Barty is a dear, as well.

I wanted to re-read the whole series over again, and if I had time, I would.

highs and lows. Elyssa is someone I want to root for, but her descent into darkness is heartbreaking to watch. This book will take your emotions on a ride.

it invokes critical thinking.

The settings are described to perfection, characters are fleshed out, and the plot/pacing, is right on point.

While I think Johansen's books are brilliant fiction, they are also a metaphor for modern day socialism.

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Created Apr 09, 2024 at 1:02pm • Submit your own review...