Book Review: War Storm by Victoria Aveyard

 

Synopsis

War Storm is the fourth and final book in the Red Queen series. It follows Mare Barrow as she fights to overthrow the oppressive Silver elite and their blood-based hierarchy. After being betrayed by Cal, who chooses his crown over their relationship, Mare focuses fully on leading the Scarlet Guard in the growing civil war. Alliances shift rapidly as Mare, Cal, Evangeline, and even Maven, her former captor and ex-fiance, clash across a kingdom splintered by rebellion. As battles rage and power struggles intensify, Mare must confront painful choices about loyalty, love, and sacrifice. Ultimately, she must decide whether to fight for a better world or protect the people she loves at any cost.

Thoughts

Though I did enjoy the story and thought it was a great ending to the series, this book wasn't my favorite in the series. The POV changed more frequently in each chapter and left me very confused during certain parts. 

As a whole, I loved this series and I do highly recommend it.

Rating (Book)

Due to the POV changes throughout the story, I give this book a 6.5/10.

Rating (Series)

My overall rating of the series averages to an 8/10!

Book Review: Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

Synopsis

Sunrise on the Reaping is a prequel to The Hunger Games, set 24 years before Katniss Everdeen’s story. It follows 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy from District 12 as he is unexpectedly thrust into the 50th Hunger Games — a brutal "Quarter Quell" that doubles the number of tributes. With little support and even less hope, Haymitch must navigate not only the deadly arena, but also the political games and dark secrets of the Capitol. Along the way, he discovers hidden strength, dangerous truths, and the early sparks of rebellion that will shape the future of Panem.

Thoughts

If you thought the original trilogy and The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes were heartbreaking, this book might be even worse. It only added more and more depth to Haymitch's character and cast him in a completely new light. 

If you're considering reading this book, be prepared for lots of heartache and plot twist that will keep you guessing left and right.

Rating

I give this book a 8/10!

Red Queen Series Book 3: Kings Cage

 

Today's book review will continue my review of the Red Queen series! I haven't read War Storm yet, so the next review might be awhile, but rest assured I will have thoughts!

Synopsis

King's Cage by Victoria Aveyard is the third book in the Red Queen series. The story picks up after the dramatic events of Glass Sword. Mare Barrow, the protagonist, is imprisoned by Maven Calore, the ruthless King of Norta. He uses her as a pawn in his schemes to control both the Scarlet Guard and the kingdom, keeping her in a cage of both physical and psychological torment. While she’s locked away, Mare struggles with feelings of betrayal and hopelessness, as Maven continues to manipulate her and attempt to break her spirit.

As Mare faces these challenges, she also tries to maintain her resolve and find ways to fight back. The Scarlet Guard, with help from old and new allies, continues its efforts to overthrow Maven’s tyrannical rule, though they face internal struggles and setbacks. Mare’s relationships with other characters, including her brother, her friends, and her complicated feelings toward Cal (the former prince), continue to evolve.

Meanwhile, Maven's cruelty escalates, and Mare must decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice to stop him, all while grappling with the complex dynamics of power, loyalty, and rebellion. As the story unfolds, Mare’s strength and resilience are tested, and new alliances are formed as the final battle between the Red and Silver forces looms closer.

The novel delves deeper into themes of power, revenge, and sacrifice, and it sets the stage for the final confrontations in the series.

Thoughts

This series keeps getting better and better! We get glimpses into Maven's character and what makes him such a compelling one. We learn that he's more complex than the previous books portrayed him as, making me wonder if there's a chance of redemption. 

Along with Maven's development, we meet some new characters, both good and bad.

Rating

This book gets a 9/10, even though it definitely played with my emotions.