I'm going to be honest and say that this book took me a little bit to get into. The first few chapters of world and character building were expectedly slow, but they were so, so worth it.

Luka is the snarkiest, most smart-mouthed little brat I’ve read since Psycho Shifters and I am completely here for it. His lines are the absolute best in the book. Especially when Theo is attempting to be Very Serious.

I love the intrigue and politics here and the realistic reaction of a boy raised in a fully pacifist society to the violence of war. Theo's drive and ambition and the way he fights his inclinations toward Luka give me life. The UST is way up there.

Even the epic villain monologue was great. I wasn't shocked by the twist, but it was well done and fun to read regardless.

"This is the way of things: the strong survive. The weak are the pedestal we must stand upon."

Overall it was an enjoyably tense ride, broken up with fantastic humor and some giant wolves (which is always a fun time). I look forward to the next book and will definitely be adding the series to my physical bookshelf.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.