I'm so ready to read the sequel! I listened to the audiobook for this and really enjoyed it. Is it a little predictable? Yes. Was I still hooked every second? Also yes. It's kind of hard to explain it but this felt both unique and familiar at the same time. I saw a review where someone mentioned this was for the young readers of 2010 who are all grown up now and I honestly really agree. This feels very reminiscent of books popular back then that we all loved.

I really loved the concept of the war school. I loved seeing Violet, our main character, struggle through the challenges. I like that she's not your typical physically strong badass female character but strong in her own way. I also love the whole lore with the dragons and the bonding and magic involved in all that. I really enjoyed hearing and reading whenever the dragons were on page.

I heard so many people saying how Rebecca Yaros was heavily inspired by ACOTAR and it shows but I just do not see it? Sure there's a few similar tropes and maybe the relationship seems a little reminiscent of Rhysand and Feyre but like none of that is exclusive to the ACOTAR series in any capacity? If anything it reminds me more of Throne of Glass. It also reminded me a lot throughout of An Ember in the Ashes.

I think the only reason this isn't a five star read is because I wasn't as connected or invested in the characters as I am with my other five star reads and the predictably but otherwise this was a super fun read and I'm excited for the sequel.