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The Ancient's Game
The Ancient’s Game is a thrilling YA fantasy where one young woman must compete against the nation’s elite for a coveted apprenticeship.
Sixteen-year-old Kellan DuCuivre is the descendant of traitors and like all Du orphaned after the war, Kellan is forbidden by law from practicing makecraft, the trade of carving magic into metal. No one can know that Kellan has been using makecraft in secret and that, in the wake of a tragic miscarve, she’s been helping her adopted father Edgar run his celebrated makeshop.
Kellan is thrust into the Guild’s twisted web of political intrigue and ancient secrets when she strikes a dangerous deal with one of its members to save Edgar and his shop. Now, Kellan must compete in a rigorous gauntlet against the nation’s elite for a coveted spot as a maker’s apprentice.
Amidst a crumbling city and a ticking clock, winning the gauntlet won’t just be a test of survival—it will mean pulling back the veil of secrets behind the Guild and uncovering the shrouded legacies of Nanseau itself.
But danger lurks at every corner.
Sixteen-year-old Kellan DuCuivre is the descendant of traitors and like all Du orphaned after the war, Kellan is forbidden by law from practicing makecraft, the trade of carving magic into metal. No one can know that Kellan has been using makecraft in secret and that, in the wake of a tragic miscarve, she’s been helping her adopted father Edgar run his celebrated makeshop.
Kellan is thrust into the Guild’s twisted web of political intrigue and ancient secrets when she strikes a dangerous deal with one of its members to save Edgar and his shop. Now, Kellan must compete in a rigorous gauntlet against the nation’s elite for a coveted spot as a maker’s apprentice.
Amidst a crumbling city and a ticking clock, winning the gauntlet won’t just be a test of survival—it will mean pulling back the veil of secrets behind the Guild and uncovering the shrouded legacies of Nanseau itself.
But danger lurks at every corner.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published October 24, 2024
23 people are currently reading
5751 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
June 9, 2025
3 Stars ✨
YA Fantasy
The Ancient’s Game is for the builders and aspiring engineers. This was a cool concept that combines magic, machines and alchemy. It had so much going for it. Likable characters and great social interactions between one another. The back drop was steampunk, an amazing 1920s New Orleans style setting, fantastic descriptions, with African Folklore sprinkled in. The problem for me was execution- it flip flops around and I had a hard time following the political system and the plot behind the trials. It sounds like a mess, and parts of it may have been - but this book had so much potential. I hope this author continues to write because I would most definitely try another book by her. I think it’s still worth the read, I had a fun time with it.
YA Fantasy
The Ancient’s Game is for the builders and aspiring engineers. This was a cool concept that combines magic, machines and alchemy. It had so much going for it. Likable characters and great social interactions between one another. The back drop was steampunk, an amazing 1920s New Orleans style setting, fantastic descriptions, with African Folklore sprinkled in. The problem for me was execution- it flip flops around and I had a hard time following the political system and the plot behind the trials. It sounds like a mess, and parts of it may have been - but this book had so much potential. I hope this author continues to write because I would most definitely try another book by her. I think it’s still worth the read, I had a fun time with it.
November 1, 2024
This is a very interesting african dystopian story set up in a 1920’s era! And to make it even more compelling, we mix magic and alchemy together with it all. Was it a little overwhelming? A tiny bit. However, the writing is smooth, with witty characters and a tiny hint of legend woven inside. I am not familiar with the African mythology but this book picked my interest in it.
December 2, 2024
Големи очаквания, лошо изпълнение. Сюжетът е скучен, героите не грабват.
Избягвайте я.
Избягвайте я.
July 27, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the ARC. 2.5⭐
This was a world that hooked me quickly with the fantastical futurism and a solid protagonist to follow. We're introduced to Kellan with her own mini heist! It was a great start. I ended up enjoying her dynamics with her idol/mentor Mesny and newfound friends Lou the cab driver and Cyn, who fulfills the role of Grump Who Eventually Warms Up to the Protag. Her uphill journey of proving her raw talent and competence in makecraft (carving magic into metal) to the classist and downright shady members of the Guild despite her origins was an intriguing set up. Kellan's underdog status was also easy to root for given the added motivation of wanting to succeed in attaining a Guild membership so as to afford treatment and a prosthetic for her adopted father Edgar.
Where the story completely lost me was unfortunately the trials themselves. I love a book that deals with trials/competitions, so when it ended up being an overall a dull affair, with uncreative and rather vague challenges, my interest dropped very quickly. I also felt nothing when the kiss with Kellan's romantic interest happened, given how he felt like a flat character and they didn't spend as much time together.
Great potential; weak execution. Didn't work for me, disappointingly.
This was a world that hooked me quickly with the fantastical futurism and a solid protagonist to follow. We're introduced to Kellan with her own mini heist! It was a great start. I ended up enjoying her dynamics with her idol/mentor Mesny and newfound friends Lou the cab driver and Cyn, who fulfills the role of Grump Who Eventually Warms Up to the Protag. Her uphill journey of proving her raw talent and competence in makecraft (carving magic into metal) to the classist and downright shady members of the Guild despite her origins was an intriguing set up. Kellan's underdog status was also easy to root for given the added motivation of wanting to succeed in attaining a Guild membership so as to afford treatment and a prosthetic for her adopted father Edgar.
Where the story completely lost me was unfortunately the trials themselves. I love a book that deals with trials/competitions, so when it ended up being an overall a dull affair, with uncreative and rather vague challenges, my interest dropped very quickly. I also felt nothing when the kiss with Kellan's romantic interest happened, given how he felt like a flat character and they didn't spend as much time together.
Great potential; weak execution. Didn't work for me, disappointingly.
December 15, 2024
DNF at 60%
The problem in this book is 100% the execution. The setting and world are super interesting and there's a couple of characters I like but my god this book was so hard to read because of how much it jumps from one thing to another thing a month later with no room for anyone to breathe, to explore any of the lore or character arcs or relationships. Things just happen so fast and then you're told in a paragraph or page at most all the things that happen in-between that really are crucial elements to the story, like y'know… the training for these super serious trials. There is around 20 pages between her first lesson and her arriving at her first trial.. TWENTY PAGES. That's all. Imagine Katniss goes from meeting Haymitch for the first time to the start of the games in twenty pages. For reference it's around 130 pages in the Hunger Games. Honestly the best way to explain this properly is to just go beat by beat where these things happen, I'll try and be somewhat vague, this will be long but there are many points where there were ways to improve and I wanted to express those.
The first bit is fine, Kellan and her adoptive father Edgar must travel to the big city to attend a maker convention, makers are people who use magical crafting to make items there's different types but they are tinkers and use runes and metals to make cool mechanical marvels. This magic system? Super cool. It's also worth noting that Kellan is a nameless, a descendent of a traitor who as punishment for the traitors crime gets their name taken away, oh and it's technically illegal for a nameless to do any making, again cool idea, class divides, love that. Whilst at the convention she has to steal a prototype prosthetic from Madame Mesny, a famous maker, to try and craft a new one for Edgar as he is getting sick. Cool I love heists. But after a workshop where they meet Mesny and Mesny realises Kellan's talents she asks Kellan to be her apprentice, the writing really begins to fall apart.
So Kellan gets taken by her new buddy Lou to Mesny's house, Mesny offers Lou to come to breakfast the morning after tomorrow, sounds lovely. Kellan admires her new room and we cut to the next morning where she's running late for her first lesson with Mesny, she manages to find her way and we get the only bit of proper making training Mesny will do with her apprentice that I saw. During this time Mesny stresses that the competition to become an official maker will be cutthroat and brutal and to not trust the other contestants as they will lie, chest and steal and stomp on her without a second thought, sounds brutal, remember this for later. During this time they are interrupted by important political people for important political subplot teasing, during which it is very clear that the upper echelon do NOT approve of a nameless girl being given a chance to be an assistant and compete.
And now we fast forward a few days to Kellan having a dress fitting and writing to Edgar. Oh wait, you mean you wanted to see that breakfast with Lou? Sorry, out of luck. It would have been great to see another lower class person at a fancy meal with Kellan, maybe Kellan tries to guide Lou subtly from the bits she's learned so far about what cutlery to use. Maybe Lou is unapologetically ignorant and herself and that gives Lou the confidence to do the same and makes her feel reassured, the girls could bind, we could see Mesny interact with Lou and learn more about Lou's background... But alas it's not even mentioned in passing and Lou is s fairly central character so it's extra odd. Even more baffling is what happens next.
After half a page about how she misses Edgar we fast forward again and we're driving to a secret location on Mesny's orders. We arrive and Kellan gives the password we're told Mesny gave her. And bam, we're at the first trial.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN WE'RE AT THE FIRST TRIAL???? We've had so little time for Kellan to prepare or watch her adjust to her crazy new life. We have had around 20 pages between when she was running late to her first lesson to her arriving at her first trial...That's IT There was literally the lesson/political intrigue chapter, ONE paragraph about a dress fitting and her writing to Edgar and we're off to the first trial, it's SO rushed it's insane. Again... In Hunger Games there is 130ish pages in between Katniss becoming the tribute and the start of the games as a point of reference.
Okay so the first trial, each of the contestants make a pitch for why they should be allowed to compete to the council judges. And everything is fine until we get to Kellan and the council are disgusted because it's unheard of for a nameless to compete, especially because it's actually illegal for them to do any making. But luckily one of the judges Atlas, Kellan's bland af love interest stands up for her and Mesny's reputation is enough to win Kellan a place. And now the first trial begins and Kellan gets knocked over by the running contestants, losing her cutting tool in the process, but luckily someone is nice enough to lend her one which is weird given we were told everyone would be cutthroat but don't worry there's a payoff. She then runs off immediately to the copper source and makes her contraption.. no literally that's all. No dilemma about what to do, the only issue she has is at one point her cutter messes up and IMMEDIATLY someone is there to help her and it's fine, again, cutthroat competition here. That's it. That's the super hardcore difficult trial task done. We are then told that whilst she went for the copper, everyone else has been fighting over the gold, would've been nice to y'know see that rather than just be told it happened. It is revealed the cutter was sabotaged which.. Ok fine but so what? It literally poses no problem to her anyway so what was the point.
Let's propose an alternate trial, Kellan's cutter gets taken by this saboteur, she is now without one, what on earth is she going to do? Well, earlier it was established Kellan's make that impressed Mesny was done without a cutter, it's possible but very hard and less elegant than using a cutter, but all these privileged contestants wouldn't know that because they have always had every material they've ever needed. Kellan's strength (as Mesny points out later) is in thinking on her feet and improvising with less because of her poorer upbringing. So Kellan has a plan but will it be good enough to win against these guys? Who knows. And where does she go first for materials? She feels so panicked and overwhelmed she figures to just follow the others to the river, sees them all fighting over the gold and feels like she doesn't stand a chance. But then she spots the copper source in the mountains. Perfect, she can work with copper and no one else has noticed it because they're all worried about the fancy gold, again emphasising that rich vs poor divide. But the mountains are far away, will she have time to get all the way up there and make something without a cutter? Only one way to find out. See how there's actual stakes, tension, commentary on the class divide? That's what we should have had. Now to be fair the time running out thing is mentioned in a throwaway line in the original but it really means nothing because Kellan easily finishes in time so it really means nothing.
But now back to the original. Kellan finishes her make but disaster strikes leaving the contestants to run for their lives. I won't go into details on this bit, it's fine and a much needed dose of action.
We're gonna fast forward a bit to the preparations for the second of these very serious very intense trials. Mesny is apparently only making Kellan work every other day because she feels bad that bad stuff happened in the first trial... I'm sorry what? Mesny… who's reputation has been staked on this illegal maker is like "Oh it's okay honey just take it easy".
Turns out the next trial is one part make one part fancy ball, so now Kellan must learn how to dance. But oh no she's so bad we must ask Atlas to help her. Yes... That Atlas... The judge. So a judge is helping TRAIN her?? What?? That's not favouritism at all. This isn't mentioned or explained at all during the training bit why this is allowed or bringing up that it's favouritism. Until of course we get to the ball where he goes to talk to her and she's like "shouldn't you be impartial" WHERE WAS THIS QUESTION WHEN HE WAS TRAINING YOU?
Now during the preparation for the trial she gets to plan and practice her make until it's perfect, her choice is metal dancers that will spin around the room. Now during the prep for this ultra ceompetitive, cutthroat contest, one of her dancers "chases a delivery boy out of the houses with it's waltzing" or some such which is presented as cute and funny but all I'm thinking is.. Hang on what do you mean? Are you just letting random people see what you're planning for this trial? WHY?? Surely you should try and keep that shit secret? You know.. in case someone can use that information to sabotage you.... Sure enough... Someone uses that information to sabotage her.
Oh and the romance is also trying to romance during this time but I felt nothing.
Suffice to say I was incredibly frustrated with the pacing and the inconsistency in the seriousness of the trial and I just couldn't anymore.
The problem in this book is 100% the execution. The setting and world are super interesting and there's a couple of characters I like but my god this book was so hard to read because of how much it jumps from one thing to another thing a month later with no room for anyone to breathe, to explore any of the lore or character arcs or relationships. Things just happen so fast and then you're told in a paragraph or page at most all the things that happen in-between that really are crucial elements to the story, like y'know… the training for these super serious trials. There is around 20 pages between her first lesson and her arriving at her first trial.. TWENTY PAGES. That's all. Imagine Katniss goes from meeting Haymitch for the first time to the start of the games in twenty pages. For reference it's around 130 pages in the Hunger Games. Honestly the best way to explain this properly is to just go beat by beat where these things happen, I'll try and be somewhat vague, this will be long but there are many points where there were ways to improve and I wanted to express those.
The first bit is fine, Kellan and her adoptive father Edgar must travel to the big city to attend a maker convention, makers are people who use magical crafting to make items there's different types but they are tinkers and use runes and metals to make cool mechanical marvels. This magic system? Super cool. It's also worth noting that Kellan is a nameless, a descendent of a traitor who as punishment for the traitors crime gets their name taken away, oh and it's technically illegal for a nameless to do any making, again cool idea, class divides, love that. Whilst at the convention she has to steal a prototype prosthetic from Madame Mesny, a famous maker, to try and craft a new one for Edgar as he is getting sick. Cool I love heists. But after a workshop where they meet Mesny and Mesny realises Kellan's talents she asks Kellan to be her apprentice, the writing really begins to fall apart.
So Kellan gets taken by her new buddy Lou to Mesny's house, Mesny offers Lou to come to breakfast the morning after tomorrow, sounds lovely. Kellan admires her new room and we cut to the next morning where she's running late for her first lesson with Mesny, she manages to find her way and we get the only bit of proper making training Mesny will do with her apprentice that I saw. During this time Mesny stresses that the competition to become an official maker will be cutthroat and brutal and to not trust the other contestants as they will lie, chest and steal and stomp on her without a second thought, sounds brutal, remember this for later. During this time they are interrupted by important political people for important political subplot teasing, during which it is very clear that the upper echelon do NOT approve of a nameless girl being given a chance to be an assistant and compete.
And now we fast forward a few days to Kellan having a dress fitting and writing to Edgar. Oh wait, you mean you wanted to see that breakfast with Lou? Sorry, out of luck. It would have been great to see another lower class person at a fancy meal with Kellan, maybe Kellan tries to guide Lou subtly from the bits she's learned so far about what cutlery to use. Maybe Lou is unapologetically ignorant and herself and that gives Lou the confidence to do the same and makes her feel reassured, the girls could bind, we could see Mesny interact with Lou and learn more about Lou's background... But alas it's not even mentioned in passing and Lou is s fairly central character so it's extra odd. Even more baffling is what happens next.
After half a page about how she misses Edgar we fast forward again and we're driving to a secret location on Mesny's orders. We arrive and Kellan gives the password we're told Mesny gave her. And bam, we're at the first trial.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN WE'RE AT THE FIRST TRIAL???? We've had so little time for Kellan to prepare or watch her adjust to her crazy new life. We have had around 20 pages between when she was running late to her first lesson to her arriving at her first trial...That's IT There was literally the lesson/political intrigue chapter, ONE paragraph about a dress fitting and her writing to Edgar and we're off to the first trial, it's SO rushed it's insane. Again... In Hunger Games there is 130ish pages in between Katniss becoming the tribute and the start of the games as a point of reference.
Okay so the first trial, each of the contestants make a pitch for why they should be allowed to compete to the council judges. And everything is fine until we get to Kellan and the council are disgusted because it's unheard of for a nameless to compete, especially because it's actually illegal for them to do any making. But luckily one of the judges Atlas, Kellan's bland af love interest stands up for her and Mesny's reputation is enough to win Kellan a place. And now the first trial begins and Kellan gets knocked over by the running contestants, losing her cutting tool in the process, but luckily someone is nice enough to lend her one which is weird given we were told everyone would be cutthroat but don't worry there's a payoff. She then runs off immediately to the copper source and makes her contraption.. no literally that's all. No dilemma about what to do, the only issue she has is at one point her cutter messes up and IMMEDIATLY someone is there to help her and it's fine, again, cutthroat competition here. That's it. That's the super hardcore difficult trial task done. We are then told that whilst she went for the copper, everyone else has been fighting over the gold, would've been nice to y'know see that rather than just be told it happened. It is revealed the cutter was sabotaged which.. Ok fine but so what? It literally poses no problem to her anyway so what was the point.
Let's propose an alternate trial, Kellan's cutter gets taken by this saboteur, she is now without one, what on earth is she going to do? Well, earlier it was established Kellan's make that impressed Mesny was done without a cutter, it's possible but very hard and less elegant than using a cutter, but all these privileged contestants wouldn't know that because they have always had every material they've ever needed. Kellan's strength (as Mesny points out later) is in thinking on her feet and improvising with less because of her poorer upbringing. So Kellan has a plan but will it be good enough to win against these guys? Who knows. And where does she go first for materials? She feels so panicked and overwhelmed she figures to just follow the others to the river, sees them all fighting over the gold and feels like she doesn't stand a chance. But then she spots the copper source in the mountains. Perfect, she can work with copper and no one else has noticed it because they're all worried about the fancy gold, again emphasising that rich vs poor divide. But the mountains are far away, will she have time to get all the way up there and make something without a cutter? Only one way to find out. See how there's actual stakes, tension, commentary on the class divide? That's what we should have had. Now to be fair the time running out thing is mentioned in a throwaway line in the original but it really means nothing because Kellan easily finishes in time so it really means nothing.
But now back to the original. Kellan finishes her make but disaster strikes leaving the contestants to run for their lives. I won't go into details on this bit, it's fine and a much needed dose of action.
We're gonna fast forward a bit to the preparations for the second of these very serious very intense trials. Mesny is apparently only making Kellan work every other day because she feels bad that bad stuff happened in the first trial... I'm sorry what? Mesny… who's reputation has been staked on this illegal maker is like "Oh it's okay honey just take it easy".
Turns out the next trial is one part make one part fancy ball, so now Kellan must learn how to dance. But oh no she's so bad we must ask Atlas to help her. Yes... That Atlas... The judge. So a judge is helping TRAIN her?? What?? That's not favouritism at all. This isn't mentioned or explained at all during the training bit why this is allowed or bringing up that it's favouritism. Until of course we get to the ball where he goes to talk to her and she's like "shouldn't you be impartial" WHERE WAS THIS QUESTION WHEN HE WAS TRAINING YOU?
Now during the preparation for the trial she gets to plan and practice her make until it's perfect, her choice is metal dancers that will spin around the room. Now during the prep for this ultra ceompetitive, cutthroat contest, one of her dancers "chases a delivery boy out of the houses with it's waltzing" or some such which is presented as cute and funny but all I'm thinking is.. Hang on what do you mean? Are you just letting random people see what you're planning for this trial? WHY?? Surely you should try and keep that shit secret? You know.. in case someone can use that information to sabotage you.... Sure enough... Someone uses that information to sabotage her.
Oh and the romance is also trying to romance during this time but I felt nothing.
Suffice to say I was incredibly frustrated with the pacing and the inconsistency in the seriousness of the trial and I just couldn't anymore.
March 24, 2025
This had a lot of potential, but I felt it needed more world building.
I wanted more explanations on the world and how the metal craft worked. I think this would've helped me be more immersed in this book.
I wanted more explanations on the world and how the metal craft worked. I think this would've helped me be more immersed in this book.
maybe
March 1, 2024on my maybe list
- african disoporian folklore
- 1920s
- competition
- carving magic into objects
Summary:
- african disoporian folklore
- 1920s
- competition
- carving magic into objects
Summary:
Alchemy and ancient spirits come to life in this debut fantasy inspired by African Diasporic folklore and the 1920s World Fair, wherein sixteen-year-old Kellan DuCuivre, an orphan from a reviled class, must compete for a coveted apprenticeship among the nation’s elite in order to save her adoptive father from a twisted fate.
Sixteen-year-old Kellan DuCuivre is the descendant of traitors. She never knew her family members or which one of them betrayed the isle of Nanseau. But like all Du orphaned after the war, Kellan is forbidden by law from practicing makecraft, the trade of carving magic into metal that was perfected by the Guild of Engineers and their maker apprentices. No one can know that Kellan has been using makecraft in secret and that, in the wake of a tragic miscarve, she’s been helping her adoptive father, Edgar, run his celebrated makeshop.
But Edgar’s condition is worsening, and his shop is on the brink of ruin. On the eve of the Eighty-Fourth Annual Makers’ Exposition in Nanseau’s sparkling city of Riz, Kellan is thrust into the Guild’s twisted web of political intrigue and ancient secrets when she strikes a dangerous deal with one of its members to save Edgar and his shop. Now Kellan must compete in a rigorous gauntlet against the nation’s elite for a coveted spot as a maker’s apprentice.
But danger lurks at every turn. And as Kellan falls into a budding relationship with the illegitimate son from one of Nanseau’s most revered families, she’s put into the limelight when something sinister begins targeting the Gauntlet’s competitors and wreaking havoc on Riz. Amidst a crumbling city and a ticking clock, winning the Gauntlet won’t just be a test of survival—it will mean pulling back the veil of secrets behind the Guild and uncovering the shrouded legacies of Nanseau itself.
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November 11, 2024
2.5 stars
Thank you to Harper, Magpie and NetGalley for my digital review copy.
This book had great potential. Unfortunately, the execution was a little disappointing.
I loved the idea of the retrofuturism and art deco vibes and the jazz age and this book could have done so much more.
I know I love books that have good worldbuilding and this book was halfway there. This book has a very interesting magic system (to do with carving runes onto different materials, usually metal, to create things) and it's mentioned that there's different guilds that do different things with this magic to achieve their goals, but I'm not sure how may guilds they are or what they do. We're introduced to the magic system through Kellan (who is described multiple times as "brilliant" in her ability) and whilst her feats with the magic are brilliant, I found that I struggled at times to understand why/how her feats were so spectacular from my limited knowledge of the magic system.
I just felt like there was so much more that could have been achieved by the magic system than what I got.
I also felt like the plot was slightly rushed at times, especially when it came to the trials. I wanted more from them, which I felt like I didn't get.
There was also a romance subplot that I felt had zero chemistry or relationship to it and only existed because there should be a romance element to the plot.
I really wished this hit what I was anticipating from the blurb.
Thank you to Harper, Magpie and NetGalley for my digital review copy.
This book had great potential. Unfortunately, the execution was a little disappointing.
I loved the idea of the retrofuturism and art deco vibes and the jazz age and this book could have done so much more.
I know I love books that have good worldbuilding and this book was halfway there. This book has a very interesting magic system (to do with carving runes onto different materials, usually metal, to create things) and it's mentioned that there's different guilds that do different things with this magic to achieve their goals, but I'm not sure how may guilds they are or what they do. We're introduced to the magic system through Kellan (who is described multiple times as "brilliant" in her ability) and whilst her feats with the magic are brilliant, I found that I struggled at times to understand why/how her feats were so spectacular from my limited knowledge of the magic system.
I just felt like there was so much more that could have been achieved by the magic system than what I got.
I also felt like the plot was slightly rushed at times, especially when it came to the trials. I wanted more from them, which I felt like I didn't get.
There was also a romance subplot that I felt had zero chemistry or relationship to it and only existed because there should be a romance element to the plot.
I really wished this hit what I was anticipating from the blurb.
November 10, 2024
What I liked: The Ancients Game is an inventive story involving alchemy, magic, and ancient spirits. Set in the 1920s, adding African dystopian elements with alchemical magic and magical trials gives you the ingredients for a creative tale. Our main character has lots of luck and can achieve opportunities that would not usually be available to her. Since this story involves some magical trials, a significant aspect of mentor/mentee interactions makes the trials more intense for the mentor, watching their mentee achieve the impossible.
I would have liked to see more of the trials. I felt they took a back seat instead of being the main aspect of the story. The main aspect ends up focusing more on the ancient spirits that are attacking the world. The trials felt rushed and slide-lined compared to the parts of the story focusing on the spirits. I wanted more about the trials and the position that Kellen was vying for.
Final Verdict: I think this would do better as a series than a stand-alone, as that would have allowed the trials and the ancient spirits to be equally fleshed out. There is a lot to like in this story, and who knows, maybe there will be another book. You never know.
I would have liked to see more of the trials. I felt they took a back seat instead of being the main aspect of the story. The main aspect ends up focusing more on the ancient spirits that are attacking the world. The trials felt rushed and slide-lined compared to the parts of the story focusing on the spirits. I wanted more about the trials and the position that Kellen was vying for.
Final Verdict: I think this would do better as a series than a stand-alone, as that would have allowed the trials and the ancient spirits to be equally fleshed out. There is a lot to like in this story, and who knows, maybe there will be another book. You never know.
January 30, 2025
I really wanted to like this book. She has great descriptive moments. But that is all it was. It made no sense and didn't flow at all. I wouldn't recommend. Was not put together well. Like literally they would be creating something and then randomly see somebody turn into a monster. I was just waiting for it to make sense and it never did. Do not recommend.
October 23, 2024
I’m not 100% sure what to make of this book and it’s ending, some of the details are a little vague. If there’s another book maybe it would expand on some of the unanswered questions I have.
I loved Kellan, she was inquisitive and intelligent. Her passion for her craft despite how politics held her back was to be admired. Her compassion and loyalty was fierce and it was tested throughout the book.
This story reminded me of The city of ember. The female MC was similar and the way the city is facing something sinister approaching that is changing the environment and how secrets of their leaders are prohibiting their growth and understanding of what’s coming.
All in all it kept me intrigued, I liked the characters and the core of the story. My unanswered questions surround the engineering and the ending, but maybe a reread will highlight things I missed and I would gladly reread this.
I loved Kellan, she was inquisitive and intelligent. Her passion for her craft despite how politics held her back was to be admired. Her compassion and loyalty was fierce and it was tested throughout the book.
This story reminded me of The city of ember. The female MC was similar and the way the city is facing something sinister approaching that is changing the environment and how secrets of their leaders are prohibiting their growth and understanding of what’s coming.
All in all it kept me intrigued, I liked the characters and the core of the story. My unanswered questions surround the engineering and the ending, but maybe a reread will highlight things I missed and I would gladly reread this.
October 21, 2024
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.
I really enjoyed this book. The magical system was unique, the MC had a clear goal and I adored the character dynamics! I just wish that world building was a bit better - sometimes the story would tell us something was important, but not give any background why.
I really enjoyed this book. The magical system was unique, the MC had a clear goal and I adored the character dynamics! I just wish that world building was a bit better - sometimes the story would tell us something was important, but not give any background why.
March 6, 2025
2.5, but the more I wrote the more I just realized I do WANT more of this, I just want it to be better. I really wanted to love this. From the description I was ready to hype this to my students as one of the next books they should absolutely read. The concept and clear mythology hinting was so interesting to me, and the idea of a futuristic world of making from metal and having it do fantastical things was such a huge draw, but I just kept feeling frustrated with the pacing. It felt like there were pages and pages of prose describing the fog and darkness and setting, which is high literature, sure, but there were several times where I feel like plot action was glossed over or just skipped and I went back several times to see if I could figure out what happened.
Starting from the top, I completely missed the description of what a namehouse is and why Kellen was there. That might be on me but I thought it was a run-of-the-mill orphanage and it wasn't until another character described what happened to her family that I had to seek clarification. I was then frustrated because that makes more sense that she can't make by law and a 'traitor to the kingdom' element with all of the mystery of what is happening to the cities is just so much better. Feels like that should have been more leaned into rather than people just casually looking down on her because she wasn't aristocracy. ALSO! There are several different fields of study for makecraft and I wanted to know so much more about why people chose different fields, is there a higherarchy, etc. but we don't get any of that.
The challenges, which could have been spectacular and these hugely competitive moments all turned into bland basic making challenges which anyone could pass. The love interest was bland as a person and it didn't really track to how they fell in love, just that they suddenly are. The resolution to the big bad was so confusing I read it three times and kept not understanding how it solved the problem, and the ending had me looking to see if there was a sequel in a 'that's it?' kind of way.
TLDR: I loved the environment, I loved the magic/make system, I loved the main character, I just kept hoping everything would make sense by the end and it didn't quite get there. ALSO ALSO I kept picturing the mechanic from the Atlantis movie as Kellen as I read and I want more of that!
Starting from the top, I completely missed the description of what a namehouse is and why Kellen was there. That might be on me but I thought it was a run-of-the-mill orphanage and it wasn't until another character described what happened to her family that I had to seek clarification. I was then frustrated because that makes more sense that she can't make by law and a 'traitor to the kingdom' element with all of the mystery of what is happening to the cities is just so much better. Feels like that should have been more leaned into rather than people just casually looking down on her because she wasn't aristocracy. ALSO! There are several different fields of study for makecraft and I wanted to know so much more about why people chose different fields, is there a higherarchy, etc. but we don't get any of that.
The challenges, which could have been spectacular and these hugely competitive moments all turned into bland basic making challenges which anyone could pass. The love interest was bland as a person and it didn't really track to how they fell in love, just that they suddenly are. The resolution to the big bad was so confusing I read it three times and kept not understanding how it solved the problem, and the ending had me looking to see if there was a sequel in a 'that's it?' kind of way.
TLDR: I loved the environment, I loved the magic/make system, I loved the main character, I just kept hoping everything would make sense by the end and it didn't quite get there. ALSO ALSO I kept picturing the mechanic from the Atlantis movie as Kellen as I read and I want more of that!
June 30, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
A good idea of a story, and loved some of the world building that it tried to achieve around crafting and magic.
The story felt like it spent too long in some sections and rushed in others that meant some of the moments, which were written to be high impact, didn’t land as they should.
Enjoyable enough as a quicker read, but wouldn’t be likely to recommend.
A good idea of a story, and loved some of the world building that it tried to achieve around crafting and magic.
The story felt like it spent too long in some sections and rushed in others that meant some of the moments, which were written to be high impact, didn’t land as they should.
Enjoyable enough as a quicker read, but wouldn’t be likely to recommend.
May 24, 2025
felt like I was having a fever dream during some parts, especially at the end. and not in a good way
April 17, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the advance reader copy.
I don’t know if I enjoyed reading this book as there was so much of the story I didn’t understand and even when I finished was still confused.
I liked the main character and her friends but felt like we could have spent more time expanding on them within the book.
The idea of the trials and magic system was very interesting but again, I don’t feel like enough time was spent on showing us what it was about.
I think a lot could have been done with this story idea had it been fleshed out more and taken its time.
I don’t know if I enjoyed reading this book as there was so much of the story I didn’t understand and even when I finished was still confused.
I liked the main character and her friends but felt like we could have spent more time expanding on them within the book.
The idea of the trials and magic system was very interesting but again, I don’t feel like enough time was spent on showing us what it was about.
I think a lot could have been done with this story idea had it been fleshed out more and taken its time.
February 28, 2025
DNF at 41% or 145 pages. I just couldn’t go on.
The premise of this book is so intriguing, but it needed to be longer so the world and magic system could be better explained and so the book could have space to breath and let us get to know the characters.
This just felt flat and muddled to me, with no flow. The story just jumps around and half the time you don’t know where the characters are or what they are doing.
This needed to go thru more rounds of editing because it felt more like a rough draft, with a collection of ideas, but with no connective tissue to bring it all together.
I really wish I could have enjoyed it.
The premise of this book is so intriguing, but it needed to be longer so the world and magic system could be better explained and so the book could have space to breath and let us get to know the characters.
This just felt flat and muddled to me, with no flow. The story just jumps around and half the time you don’t know where the characters are or what they are doing.
This needed to go thru more rounds of editing because it felt more like a rough draft, with a collection of ideas, but with no connective tissue to bring it all together.
I really wish I could have enjoyed it.
January 14, 2025
This was the locked library special edition from HarperCollins for November 2024 and I was so impressed by the art work on the front cover. The book itself however sadly didn’t fully meet its expectations so I’ve gone for 3.5 stars overall. The story showed great potential and I flew through it in a couple days on our mini break in November. There were some really good descriptions in there and great world building, but there was just something lacking for me in the overall execution. I really loved the concept of the magic runes carving into metal and all the lore that that entailed and I did like the young teenage protagonist, Kellan. I also loved the bonds she formed with her two mentors and the annoying but quirky relationship she develops with the automaton that is overseeing her welfare and constantly arguing and coming out with sarcastic comebacks. I felt the subtle romance that was weaved into the narrative wasn’t really effective and didn’t add much to this book, but I got the impression it was gearing up to be more substantial if this was carried on in future as a series. It certainly felt like this was what the author intended. Ultimately what lets the book down was how rushed the sections were where the trials actually take place. They are geared up from early on to be such a big plot point for Kellan to earn her place in society but then they end up being practically sidelined by other plot developments and I was left wanting more information, more detailed and descriptive scenes, and more emotional responses from our main character. The climax of the novel didn’t fully meet its potential either as I felt like I had so many questions left unanswered and a lot of mysteries that still needed to be explained. Although I appreciate leaving the reader wanting more there has to be enough resolution that they won’t be too frustrated to pick up the sequels. I think on balance I would definitely give future books in this series a go as I did love the world and the rune lore but I just think this one was slightly mis-carved.
February 24, 2025
A quick and very confusing read. I was completely confused as to what on earth is going on for practically the whole book understanding only the vaguest jist of the plot. The book felt very very rushed and It jumps from one thing to another so quickly and without any clear direction. It’s hard to understand which character is even speaking half the time. The writing is however beautiful and the setting sounds cool (hence a second star) but isn’t explained anywhere near enough. There were a couple of cool characters (Cyn ❤️) but unfortunately that wasn’t enough, I’m glad this was a quick one otherwise I probably would have done my first ever DNF. Not for me!
November 1, 2024
Rating: 3.5
A decent read, with great descriptions and story potential but a weak execution.
The world building in this book is immense, with vivid descriptions into not only the City of Riz, but into the 'magic' system - carving into metal. Our protagonist is a teenager that shouldn't have the opportunities that she has, but through lots of luck and talent, Mesny offers her a chance at something more.
I loved the mentor/mentee interactions that the two had, it felt a lot more natural, with Mesny really showing that she cares about Kellan, compared to what I felt between Axel/Kellan. The romantic relationship that was slotted in the midst of the plot didn't feel necessary. Perhaps if we had more of a character development into Axel, then I would root for them more.
The weakest, by far, were the trials. Despite being such a big plot point of whether Kellan will/won't get the spot, they aren't the main focus at all. They felt rushed and sidelined by other action/plot lines to progress into the big build up that the author wanted, when I wanted more description, more stress, more information about them.
In the end, the ending didn't feel great either, finishing with a lot of unanswered questions. Perhaps there will be a sequel to unravel the remain mysteries, but ultimately this book didn't feel complete without them.
A decent read, with great descriptions and story potential but a weak execution.
The world building in this book is immense, with vivid descriptions into not only the City of Riz, but into the 'magic' system - carving into metal. Our protagonist is a teenager that shouldn't have the opportunities that she has, but through lots of luck and talent, Mesny offers her a chance at something more.
I loved the mentor/mentee interactions that the two had, it felt a lot more natural, with Mesny really showing that she cares about Kellan, compared to what I felt between Axel/Kellan. The romantic relationship that was slotted in the midst of the plot didn't feel necessary. Perhaps if we had more of a character development into Axel, then I would root for them more.
The weakest, by far, were the trials. Despite being such a big plot point of whether Kellan will/won't get the spot, they aren't the main focus at all. They felt rushed and sidelined by other action/plot lines to progress into the big build up that the author wanted, when I wanted more description, more stress, more information about them.
In the end, the ending didn't feel great either, finishing with a lot of unanswered questions. Perhaps there will be a sequel to unravel the remain mysteries, but ultimately this book didn't feel complete without them.
November 23, 2024
I’m in two minds. Creative and fun but hard to follow. 2.5 ⭐️
In Kellan’s world, anything is possible with the right skill and metal carving, as long as you’re a member of the ruling classes (which she is not). When an encounter with her hero, a master maker, gets Kellan noticed she’s entered into a dangerous competition to join the highly secretive and powerful makers guild. She has been warned not to trust her competition but outside forces are also at play and Kellan might be the only one able to stop the rising dark.
It sounds like a contradiction but the writing was both wonderful whilst also being really hard to follow. It felt like book two in a series, you’re dumped into the story without any context. I don’t mind this as long as I get enough context at some point (which I didn’t). The world was well built as were the rules which govern it, but the transitions were awkward, characters appear and disappear at key moments. In some parts the writing is laser focused and at others (especially in major action) it is incredibly confusing.
I’m not totally sure I understand what happened in this book but I did actually enjoy it. I think the author has something special in the story, I just wish it had been less frenetic. I would definitely give this author another go. As always this is only #IMO
Really appreciative to #netgalley and #harpercollinsuk for my #arc
In Kellan’s world, anything is possible with the right skill and metal carving, as long as you’re a member of the ruling classes (which she is not). When an encounter with her hero, a master maker, gets Kellan noticed she’s entered into a dangerous competition to join the highly secretive and powerful makers guild. She has been warned not to trust her competition but outside forces are also at play and Kellan might be the only one able to stop the rising dark.
It sounds like a contradiction but the writing was both wonderful whilst also being really hard to follow. It felt like book two in a series, you’re dumped into the story without any context. I don’t mind this as long as I get enough context at some point (which I didn’t). The world was well built as were the rules which govern it, but the transitions were awkward, characters appear and disappear at key moments. In some parts the writing is laser focused and at others (especially in major action) it is incredibly confusing.
I’m not totally sure I understand what happened in this book but I did actually enjoy it. I think the author has something special in the story, I just wish it had been less frenetic. I would definitely give this author another go. As always this is only #IMO
Really appreciative to #netgalley and #harpercollinsuk for my #arc
November 14, 2024
The condition of Kellan's adoptive father is worsening. Not just that, but the makeshop they run is on the brink of ruin. The only solution is go to Riz and find the makecraft that can help him. But Kellan is forbidden to use makecraft. And know she got thrust into dangerous thing, and she must compete to get the spot of a maker's apprentice.
I'm not much of a reader of fantasy. It was hard for me to digest. And it is my fault that I didn't get into the story. The world building left me confused, Kellan's situation just left me blank, and the competition was something I didn't understand.
Again, this was a me-problem for not putting all my attention to this book. I honestly owe this book a reread because it doesn't deserve me.
What I do understand is the sense of found family, protecting what you belive in, and staying true to who you are. Those themes really popped out through the book. It was so fun to meet the other characters through Kellan's eyes and how each placed in her heart.
Overall I could have done better as a reader, because I knew it has so much more to offer. I guess this book just wasn't for me.
* I received an eARC of this book
I'm not much of a reader of fantasy. It was hard for me to digest. And it is my fault that I didn't get into the story. The world building left me confused, Kellan's situation just left me blank, and the competition was something I didn't understand.
Again, this was a me-problem for not putting all my attention to this book. I honestly owe this book a reread because it doesn't deserve me.
What I do understand is the sense of found family, protecting what you belive in, and staying true to who you are. Those themes really popped out through the book. It was so fun to meet the other characters through Kellan's eyes and how each placed in her heart.
Overall I could have done better as a reader, because I knew it has so much more to offer. I guess this book just wasn't for me.
* I received an eARC of this book
November 22, 2024
What do you get when you throw a scrappy teenager with a forbidden talent into a high-stakes magical competition? Absolute chaos—and I loved every second of it. The Ancient’s Game is like The Great British Bake Off, but instead of cakes, they’re crafting magical artifacts, and instead of soggy bottoms, there’s a good chance someone might try to kill you. Stressful? Yes. Entertaining? Also yes.
Kellan is the kind of underdog protagonist you can’t help but root for: part rebel, part reluctant hero, and entirely too good at carving magic into metal for someone who's technically not allowed to do it. She’s basically living on a knife’s edge—literally, given all the makeshop tools—and trying to save her adoptive dad, who might be the only decent adult in this cutthroat world. Meanwhile, everyone around her is either trying to out-make her, out-smart her, or flat-out murder her. Fun times!
The competition itself? This is where it slightly lost me personally. I just felt brushed over and a little vague
Of course, there’s also a forbidden romance subplot with the illegitimate son of a famous family—because what’s a deadly magical contest without a side of smoldering tension?
Kellan is the kind of underdog protagonist you can’t help but root for: part rebel, part reluctant hero, and entirely too good at carving magic into metal for someone who's technically not allowed to do it. She’s basically living on a knife’s edge—literally, given all the makeshop tools—and trying to save her adoptive dad, who might be the only decent adult in this cutthroat world. Meanwhile, everyone around her is either trying to out-make her, out-smart her, or flat-out murder her. Fun times!
The competition itself? This is where it slightly lost me personally. I just felt brushed over and a little vague
Of course, there’s also a forbidden romance subplot with the illegitimate son of a famous family—because what’s a deadly magical contest without a side of smoldering tension?
October 25, 2024
This book was very different from what I would normally read. To start with I was a little overwhelmed by the place names and the language and dialect used but I soon got into the book. I ended up reading it in two sittings. It’s a very easy book to read and the character development is enjoyable.
I loved the city of Riz. The descriptions made me able to visualise everything. I loved how Kellen thought herself unworthy because of her start in life and how she built relationships with so many people as the book went on. It does have some Hunger Games vibes but I liked the craftsmanship aspect. There is something for everyone in this book. I visualised it as an anime film as I read.
It has drama, adventure, fights, relationships, mortal danger, disaster, and much, much more. I recommend this book to everyone whether you like fantasy, romance, or sci-if I think there is something for everyone in this book.
A massive thank you to Team Magpie and Harper Fiction for inviting me to read this ARC via NetGalley.
I loved the city of Riz. The descriptions made me able to visualise everything. I loved how Kellen thought herself unworthy because of her start in life and how she built relationships with so many people as the book went on. It does have some Hunger Games vibes but I liked the craftsmanship aspect. There is something for everyone in this book. I visualised it as an anime film as I read.
It has drama, adventure, fights, relationships, mortal danger, disaster, and much, much more. I recommend this book to everyone whether you like fantasy, romance, or sci-if I think there is something for everyone in this book.
A massive thank you to Team Magpie and Harper Fiction for inviting me to read this ARC via NetGalley.
November 20, 2024
This book surprised me in so many ways. Firstly it’s not a style of book I would usually pick up, a little bit steampunk isn’t usually my vibe but damn this did the perfect mix of machinery, clockwork and magic so so well. It was like a fairytale. Secondly, I listened to this as an audio book and boy that narrator was incredible. Their voice was so immersive and added to the experience of the book so much though I’m sure reading it would have been great too. Finally, this book actually surprised me with its ending. I have gotten used to books where I can predict the ending, see which character will end up where and I was so pleasantly surprised that I didn’t predict what would happen. So far as to say I loved this book. I think it is my favorite YA of the year and it reminded me why I love this genre. The excitement, the thrill, the emotion and the mystery was outstanding and I never once felt the overwhelming presence of tropes reminding me where I was, which genre I was reading. And for the first time in a while I’m actually excited about seeking out the second book!
December 7, 2024
“Someone here thinks I’m weak…I’ll correct them.”
Magic, Alchemy, Runework and a social system with a huge divide maintained by many of those benefitting from the system.
Kellan finds herself vying for an apprenticeship in a series of dangerous trials - Something that’s illegal for someone of her social standing to participate in. Fighting the system keen to oppress her, Senior officials that make it clear she should know her place and an oppressive darkness spreading over the city.
The world is captivating and fascinating but the world building and related jargon are a little confusing to begin with.
The characters are amusing and endear you to them immediately. I particularly enjoyed Kellan’s relationship with both Edgar and Mesny. Cyn is a grumpy automai and she’s hilarious.
Kellan is innovative, resourceful and determined.
This book comes with a twist that hurt to watch unfold. There was a lot that remain unanswered at the end of this book. I would love to see more from this author and this world.
Magic, Alchemy, Runework and a social system with a huge divide maintained by many of those benefitting from the system.
Kellan finds herself vying for an apprenticeship in a series of dangerous trials - Something that’s illegal for someone of her social standing to participate in. Fighting the system keen to oppress her, Senior officials that make it clear she should know her place and an oppressive darkness spreading over the city.
The world is captivating and fascinating but the world building and related jargon are a little confusing to begin with.
The characters are amusing and endear you to them immediately. I particularly enjoyed Kellan’s relationship with both Edgar and Mesny. Cyn is a grumpy automai and she’s hilarious.
Kellan is innovative, resourceful and determined.
This book comes with a twist that hurt to watch unfold. There was a lot that remain unanswered at the end of this book. I would love to see more from this author and this world.
November 9, 2024
3.5 rounded up based on potential.
I loved the pacing of this book and the characters. It moved along at such a timely pace and the plot flowed seamlessly as Kellan joins a competition to become a maker even though her lack of a name (orphaned by traitors) means she shouldn’t be able to. Kellan had such a desire to learn and to help Edgar, her surrogate grandfather that took her in from the name-house and taught her his craft, who is ailing after a failed prosthesis. As she gained friends and alliances, Cyn, Lou, Axel, and Mistress Messine, she unravels a mystery about her very world and the ever expanding blackouts. The making was incredibly interesting and I really liked the parts of the book that explored that. But, I was confused by the “mythology” of the world and the very magic that makes making work. I feel like it could have used a little more world building but it was excellent aside from that.
I loved the pacing of this book and the characters. It moved along at such a timely pace and the plot flowed seamlessly as Kellan joins a competition to become a maker even though her lack of a name (orphaned by traitors) means she shouldn’t be able to. Kellan had such a desire to learn and to help Edgar, her surrogate grandfather that took her in from the name-house and taught her his craft, who is ailing after a failed prosthesis. As she gained friends and alliances, Cyn, Lou, Axel, and Mistress Messine, she unravels a mystery about her very world and the ever expanding blackouts. The making was incredibly interesting and I really liked the parts of the book that explored that. But, I was confused by the “mythology” of the world and the very magic that makes making work. I feel like it could have used a little more world building but it was excellent aside from that.
January 21, 2025
Goodreads Giveaway. Sixteen year old Kellan is an orphan, an outcast whose parents were traitors. Alhough banned from practicing makecraft her mentor Edgar has trained her to aid him since a miscarve injury has limited his abilities. To help him and his shop Kellan enters the Ancients Game a brutal competition to become apprentice to one of the masters. Ruz is a crumbling city and Kellan faces a grueling dangerous task while uncovering deadly secrets. Kellan is a well developed character filled with self doubt but with a strong moral and ethical core which forces her to make some difficult decisions and choices in the ensuing days. The narrative's strength was the characters as I found the world building vague and never quite grasped the esoteric magic system. An interesting different read.
November 15, 2024
unfortunately, this was a very disappointing read. I think I started this book 3 times before finally being able to read through it and finish it.
it had great potential and the blurb really intrigued me, but nothing about the writing worked for me. the first chapter is a lot of info-dumping that made no sense for someone who is first introduced to the book’s world and setting. everything was confusing - the magic system, the trials, the characters. there’s also a romance subplot that fell flat because the characters barely had any interactions on page. it just wasn’t believable.
I’m sure this book might work for others, but it didn’t for me, sadly.
thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
it had great potential and the blurb really intrigued me, but nothing about the writing worked for me. the first chapter is a lot of info-dumping that made no sense for someone who is first introduced to the book’s world and setting. everything was confusing - the magic system, the trials, the characters. there’s also a romance subplot that fell flat because the characters barely had any interactions on page. it just wasn’t believable.
I’m sure this book might work for others, but it didn’t for me, sadly.
thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 28, 2024
So I finished it, but still don't really know what happened and if I actually like the book or not.
I liked the characters, Kellen, Lou, Cyn and Axel where really nice to read about. I also really liked the world and the magic system.
But half of the time I didn't understand what was happening. It was supposed to be about trials, and sure there where trials in there, but that felt like an afterthought. The main focus was more about the veil between worlds and the world breaking or something? Still not quite sure what happened or what even the goal was or how it ended.
So ja, very mixed feelings. Great potential, less great execution.
I liked the characters, Kellen, Lou, Cyn and Axel where really nice to read about. I also really liked the world and the magic system.
But half of the time I didn't understand what was happening. It was supposed to be about trials, and sure there where trials in there, but that felt like an afterthought. The main focus was more about the veil between worlds and the world breaking or something? Still not quite sure what happened or what even the goal was or how it ended.
So ja, very mixed feelings. Great potential, less great execution.
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