Thoughts upon second reading: still 5/5 stars. Still incredible. Need to take notes sometime because there are so many great quotes. Gah I love this world; Pierce Brown is a master. Highly recommended.

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This book is very, very good. I've seen it described as an adult version of The Hunger Games, which is true. But it also has elements of Harry Potter, Roman/Greek mythology, and Ender's Game. I devoured it.

My love, my love
Remember the cries
When winter died for spring skies
They roared and roared
But we grabbed our seed
And sowed a song
Against their greed

And
Down in the vale
Hear the reaper swing, the reaper swing
the reaper swing
Down in the vale
Hear the reaper sing
A tale of winter done

My son, my son
Remember the chains
When gold ruled with iron reins
We roared and roared
And twisted and screamed
For ours, a vale
of better dreams

~ content: extreme violence, strong profanity, discussion of adult topics, suicide, sexual references. recommended for ages 17/18+ ~