Fun dystopic adventure with some cool cyberpunk elements - enjoyed it.
I went into the story with mixed expectations (and an open mind) because I hadn’t read something similar before, but the author delighted me with both the premise and the characters. There are some great action sequences, very likeable characters and fantastic overall concept and execution.
There is a good balance between the darker adventurous elements and the emotional side of being thrust into impossible situations without consent or preparation. The author captures the hopelessness, despair and inadequacy felt by the characters really well and I absolutely loved the interpersonal dynamics between Benn and Quinne. The found family trope fits very well with the premise of the story.
You’ll ascend the Colossus and lay eyes upon our God. Our Eminence. Our Zenith.
As evident from the blurb, the gruesome tournament forms the core of the story. I had wondered if the story would be all about competition rules and tallying scores similar to gamelit/litrpg adventures. Thankful it wasn’t. There is wider world building, emotional investment and a deep rooted conspiracy which adds up to a great story.
The Tournament is a death sentence. We’re all dead men walkin’.
I enjoyed the cyberpunk aspects the most - the out of body experience, the painful melding of human and machine, the whole first flight experience were all great. Loved them all.
“Know anything about the process?”
“Pain.”
While quite a bit of the action is bloody, the author’s depictions do not linger too much on the gore. On one hand this may help make the book more palatable to a wider audience, it may leave hardcore grimdark and horror enthusiasts a bit dissatisfied. Being the person I am, I did find myself wondering how this story would have been like if written by someone who revels in the macabre. I do not intend to criticize the author for scoping the book as they did, but I do believe this premise would have also been an excellent fit for a hardcore horror experience as well. If you have recommendations along similar lines, do hit me up.
Some of the names/lingo didn’t resonate so well with me. Smart money and girliepop were the recurring ones that made me flinch the most. I would have also loved it if the plot were a bit more intricate, but as it stands the book is a great offering and delivers a solid thrilling experience. I am looking forward to exploring other works by the author that cater to genres I read more frequently.
If the weak never stand up to the strong, the burden of pain is passed onto our children. We must take a stand when we can.