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Drax Guard: Crew Six #2
Faultline
Communications Specialist Besim Antilles has always felt invincible. As a half-troll with protective stoneskin that activates in a fight, he’s never really taken a serious hit. Until a mission in the Allied American States Wastelands left scars all over his body, and a ragged faultline through his confidence.
When an elf sorcerer with ties to a terrorist organization Besim and his team have tussled with in the past shows up in his sister’s coffee shop…let’s just say he doesn’t believe in coincidence.
Coffee shop owner Nadire Antilles has two concerns—her fledgling business and her brother. He hasn’t been the same since discharging from the hospital, and now he and his spec ops Drax Guard team are acting weird about some elf who came into her café. She trusts her brother and his team, but she also needs to keep the lights on so she doesn’t lose her shot at the dream.
An open attack on the streets of Dunhare solidifies that the sorcerer is after the team. But as they race to find him and stop him for good, they discover he has a specific target in mind and won’t hesitate to draw Nadire right into the crossfire.
Book 2 in the action packed urban fantasy x spec ops series with fast paced action, magic in the open, brothers in arms, and plenty of snark/humor. Best read in series order.
When an elf sorcerer with ties to a terrorist organization Besim and his team have tussled with in the past shows up in his sister’s coffee shop…let’s just say he doesn’t believe in coincidence.
Coffee shop owner Nadire Antilles has two concerns—her fledgling business and her brother. He hasn’t been the same since discharging from the hospital, and now he and his spec ops Drax Guard team are acting weird about some elf who came into her café. She trusts her brother and his team, but she also needs to keep the lights on so she doesn’t lose her shot at the dream.
An open attack on the streets of Dunhare solidifies that the sorcerer is after the team. But as they race to find him and stop him for good, they discover he has a specific target in mind and won’t hesitate to draw Nadire right into the crossfire.
Book 2 in the action packed urban fantasy x spec ops series with fast paced action, magic in the open, brothers in arms, and plenty of snark/humor. Best read in series order.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2024
1 person is currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
C.M. Banschbach
15 books118 followersC.M. Banschbach is a native Texan and would make an excellent Hobbit if she weren’t so tall. She’s a pizza addict, a multi-faceted fangirl, and a firm believer in being authentic—even if it means acting like a dork sometimes! When not writing fantasy stories packed full of adventure and snark, she works as a pediatric physical therapist where she happily embraces the fact that she never actually has to grow up.
She also writesYA/MG fantasy-adventure as Claire M. Banschbach.
She also writesYA/MG fantasy-adventure as Claire M. Banschbach.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 22, 2025
4.5 stars! I was pretty onboard with this series after Book 1, but Book 2 just got me, man. Besim Antilles is the devout Catholic half-troll amateur therapist/special ops warrior I didn't know I needed. I adore him. And as much as I loved his steady, caring presence in the first installment, I found his mental breakdown in Book 2 even more gripping. Not to be mean, but when a collected character comes unglued for the first time... that's the good sh!t
We desperately need more authentic Catholic characters in fantasy novels, to make up for our Protestant culture's overall heavy bias against Catholicism and the fantasy genre's tendency to use the Roman Church as their blueprint anytime they need a dARK and oPPRESSIVE religion; and with this book, Claire really said "you know what? I got you." That scene where Besim is praying the Rosary and his non-Catholic friend walks into the room and silently points at the beads in his hand to ask if he's finished so as not to interrupt healed me. Just, the respect, the acceptance, everything I didn't have as a young and vulnerable child growing up in a hostile environment deep in the Bible Belt... I could have sobbed like a baby. Probably would have, if I wasn't reading this in the middle of the airport.
One small quibble that applies to the series as a whole rather than just this book: I would like to see Remy and Dejan stop making "ugh, you love your girlfriend? disgusting" jokes. Yes, they're mischievous and at times juvenile, but they're also not 12. Given their overall level of emotional maturity about the stuff that really matters (like, y'know, love), those jokes don't really fit the vibe for me.
Other than that, I adored this. I need the next book IMMEDIATELy
We desperately need more authentic Catholic characters in fantasy novels, to make up for our Protestant culture's overall heavy bias against Catholicism and the fantasy genre's tendency to use the Roman Church as their blueprint anytime they need a dARK and oPPRESSIVE religion; and with this book, Claire really said "you know what? I got you." That scene where Besim is praying the Rosary and his non-Catholic friend walks into the room and silently points at the beads in his hand to ask if he's finished so as not to interrupt healed me. Just, the respect, the acceptance, everything I didn't have as a young and vulnerable child growing up in a hostile environment deep in the Bible Belt... I could have sobbed like a baby. Probably would have, if I wasn't reading this in the middle of the airport.
One small quibble that applies to the series as a whole rather than just this book: I would like to see Remy and Dejan stop making "ugh, you love your girlfriend? disgusting" jokes. Yes, they're mischievous and at times juvenile, but they're also not 12. Given their overall level of emotional maturity about the stuff that really matters (like, y'know, love), those jokes don't really fit the vibe for me.
Other than that, I adored this. I need the next book IMMEDIATELy
April 6, 2025
Communications Specialist, Besim Antilles is still reeling from their last mission into the Wastelands. He’s irritable, snapping at his friends and his abilities from his half-troll ancestry are not working. He’s not okay. If only he can admit that.
I loved this but not as much as Cieran’s book. While the PTSD rep was amazing, the grief depiction in the first book brought tears to my eyes. Still! We move to the next one!
I loved this but not as much as Cieran’s book. While the PTSD rep was amazing, the grief depiction in the first book brought tears to my eyes. Still! We move to the next one!
April 11, 2025
2 POVs from siblings!
I love that the main characters come from a big family (me too) and that family can be complicated and beautiful at the same time.
This had me grinning and laughing and on the edge of my seat a lot.
It made me very happy and I'm excited to keep reading the series.
PG-13 from language.
I love that the main characters come from a big family (me too) and that family can be complicated and beautiful at the same time.
This had me grinning and laughing and on the edge of my seat a lot.
It made me very happy and I'm excited to keep reading the series.
PG-13 from language.
August 26, 2025
Claire is amazing. 🤩
The way she writes epic battles, siblings bonds, brotherhood banter, and navigating grief and not being okay speaks to me. 😭 It’s so beautiful!
I loved Bes and Nadire, the siblings POVs. The no romance arc in this instalment didn’t hamper any enjoyment. It’s brave and wild and hopeful. Man, I love these guys.
Content: mild language (including handful of s-words)
The way she writes epic battles, siblings bonds, brotherhood banter, and navigating grief and not being okay speaks to me. 😭 It’s so beautiful!
I loved Bes and Nadire, the siblings POVs. The no romance arc in this instalment didn’t hamper any enjoyment. It’s brave and wild and hopeful. Man, I love these guys.
Content: mild language (including handful of s-words)
March 27, 2025
(March 2025) Reread… too many thoughts… loved it even more the second time around… incredibly blessed to have my siblings who are a lot like Besim’s… will be thinking about and rereading these books for the rest of my life…)
Those last few chapters had me “large, Catholic family” kind of emotional…
Claire’s acknowledgments said it all:
“For anyone who understands the "who hurt you?" but make it siblings. And for anyone who wanted to see a Catholic character done right.”
(I do and I did)
I’m not okay. I’m completely in love. And I may be crying, but it’s a good kind.
Only criticism I have is that I’m actually kinda pissed that these are just novellas. Where’s my full length novels?
Where’s every single mission these guys have been and will be on?! Will create a petition for this!!!
Also… will not be okay until I get Dej’s book !! (and yes I am referring to him by his nickname… okay?!)
I have already referred it to my younger yet adult sister who just had a daughter(the daughter is irrelevant except that this book can also be given to moms), my younger sister who is turning twenty (so I guess is an adult too but she’s still just my kid sister) who is more tomboy than me, maybe, and my youngest brother, the baby, number ten… at fifteen this is the perfect book for him.
So, either my family is all exactly the same… we half are half aren’t, or this book is so good (it is) that I can recommend it to any gender and age group… the end.
Highly recommend this series to anyone and everyone.
Those last few chapters had me “large, Catholic family” kind of emotional…
Claire’s acknowledgments said it all:
“For anyone who understands the "who hurt you?" but make it siblings. And for anyone who wanted to see a Catholic character done right.”
(I do and I did)
I’m not okay. I’m completely in love. And I may be crying, but it’s a good kind.
Only criticism I have is that I’m actually kinda pissed that these are just novellas. Where’s my full length novels?
Where’s every single mission these guys have been and will be on?! Will create a petition for this!!!
Also… will not be okay until I get Dej’s book !! (and yes I am referring to him by his nickname… okay?!)
I have already referred it to my younger yet adult sister who just had a daughter(the daughter is irrelevant except that this book can also be given to moms), my younger sister who is turning twenty (so I guess is an adult too but she’s still just my kid sister) who is more tomboy than me, maybe, and my youngest brother, the baby, number ten… at fifteen this is the perfect book for him.
So, either my family is all exactly the same… we half are half aren’t, or this book is so good (it is) that I can recommend it to any gender and age group… the end.
Highly recommend this series to anyone and everyone.
August 4, 2025
This book is the perfect sequel!! It's been so fun to reread this one, to see the entire crew (but especially Cieran) from a new perspective. The plot comes so naturally from the previous book so that it feels perfectly like a continuation of the same story.
It's super interesting to see from Besim's perspective, to see him working through his trauma in a way that is similar, yet complete different from Flashpoint. I also love the dual POVs being siblings, instead of love interests!! It's such a unique take and as someone who has a larger family, I love the way Besim's is depicted. It was so fun getting to know Nadire, and there were some really good scenes with her! (the scene at Cieran's house lives rent free in my head.)
As with the first book, rereading this one really helped me pick up on tiny details that were CLEAR foreshadowing to the later books (namely, three and four) and enjoy the way it was built up ahead of time.
All in all, there's nothing I can say that I haven't said a million times about these books but I'll say it again anyways—the writing is amazing, the brotherhood between the main four gives me life, and I always leave these books wanting to read more.
It's super interesting to see from Besim's perspective, to see him working through his trauma in a way that is similar, yet complete different from Flashpoint. I also love the dual POVs being siblings, instead of love interests!! It's such a unique take and as someone who has a larger family, I love the way Besim's is depicted. It was so fun getting to know Nadire, and there were some really good scenes with her! (the scene at Cieran's house lives rent free in my head.)
As with the first book, rereading this one really helped me pick up on tiny details that were CLEAR foreshadowing to the later books (namely, three and four) and enjoy the way it was built up ahead of time.
All in all, there's nothing I can say that I haven't said a million times about these books but I'll say it again anyways—the writing is amazing, the brotherhood between the main four gives me life, and I always leave these books wanting to read more.
December 11, 2024
Families are complex. Families are wonderful. Families get your inside jokes (and make plenty of their own). Families can be chaotic and messy, and sometimes just existing in one can get you hurt.
This applies whether your family is one you were born into, built for yourself, or stumbled unexpectedly into because someone saw you and went, "That one. I want that one." Through and through, family means humanity—messy, beautiful, broken humanity—but that's where the beauty really shines.
Because to be in a place where you're known fully and loved anyway? It's worth the risk.
Faultline is a great example. You want a love letter to the messy, big families (both biological and found) that scrap hard and love even harder?
Here.
Want winter coffee shop vibes and a hero who's used to being the caregiver (but can't figure out how to let himself be cared FOR)?
Here.
Want the high stakes, action, and banter that this author is known for?
HERE.
Get your copy of Book 1 (Flashpoint), then scramble to dive into Book 2 (Faultline). You won't regret it.
This applies whether your family is one you were born into, built for yourself, or stumbled unexpectedly into because someone saw you and went, "That one. I want that one." Through and through, family means humanity—messy, beautiful, broken humanity—but that's where the beauty really shines.
Because to be in a place where you're known fully and loved anyway? It's worth the risk.
Faultline is a great example. You want a love letter to the messy, big families (both biological and found) that scrap hard and love even harder?
Here.
Want winter coffee shop vibes and a hero who's used to being the caregiver (but can't figure out how to let himself be cared FOR)?
Here.
Want the high stakes, action, and banter that this author is known for?
HERE.
Get your copy of Book 1 (Flashpoint), then scramble to dive into Book 2 (Faultline). You won't regret it.
December 30, 2024
"I'm just here and trying to figure out which part of me broke and why."
Literally, if anything happens to any of these boys, I will riot. I loved this one so much, getting a better look at Besim and his relationships with his family was just wonderful. Reading about his relationship with his siblings, both military and biological, was heart-touching. Reading a book that focuses on sibling relationships and beautifully demonstrates male friendship and intimacy is something that isn't often portrayed in these fantasy genres. This book pulled out a few laughs and a few close calls when it came to tears as I was reading, the sarcasm in this series never fails to make me chuckle. C.M. Banschbach has once again shown the wonderful capability of brotherly bonds and love between soldiers.
Besim - how I grew to love him even more after book one. He and Cieran are fighting for my favorite person in the Drax Crew. I think we at times can all find ourselves in Besim's shoes, there are those of us who are used to being the strong ones, and when circumstances change us we often realize that the strongest we can be is when we allow others to help us. I am so excited to see where his budding relationship with Maya will go and how it'll play out, she's such a sweet character I think they'll fit well together. I loved Besim and his character growth throughout the novel, nothing was thrown under the rug or immediately healed. It wasn't magically fixed and Besim wasn't perfect by the end of the book which I found to be beautifully refreshing to read about a character who has PTSD and trauma responses.
Nadire was a fantastic character as well, I loved her povs and chapters as much as Besim's. I think that she gave a great introduction to the civilian side of the family members of the Drax Guard and showed some of the reality that comes with having family members in the military. (Even though it was a fictional military, I believe that she showed aspects of reality in her character) I loved all of the siblings in this book, they were realistic and wonderful both as a family and as individuals.
I am so excited for book number three to come out in February! This series is my newest obsession and I'm not objecting anytime soon! Another fantastic novel that's added to my collection that's centered on brotherly love, which is often overlooked or forgotten in a fantasy genre such as this. Can't wait to read about Remy in book three! I will be suffering until February.
Literally, if anything happens to any of these boys, I will riot. I loved this one so much, getting a better look at Besim and his relationships with his family was just wonderful. Reading about his relationship with his siblings, both military and biological, was heart-touching. Reading a book that focuses on sibling relationships and beautifully demonstrates male friendship and intimacy is something that isn't often portrayed in these fantasy genres. This book pulled out a few laughs and a few close calls when it came to tears as I was reading, the sarcasm in this series never fails to make me chuckle. C.M. Banschbach has once again shown the wonderful capability of brotherly bonds and love between soldiers.
Besim - how I grew to love him even more after book one. He and Cieran are fighting for my favorite person in the Drax Crew. I think we at times can all find ourselves in Besim's shoes, there are those of us who are used to being the strong ones, and when circumstances change us we often realize that the strongest we can be is when we allow others to help us. I am so excited to see where his budding relationship with Maya will go and how it'll play out, she's such a sweet character I think they'll fit well together. I loved Besim and his character growth throughout the novel, nothing was thrown under the rug or immediately healed. It wasn't magically fixed and Besim wasn't perfect by the end of the book which I found to be beautifully refreshing to read about a character who has PTSD and trauma responses.
Nadire was a fantastic character as well, I loved her povs and chapters as much as Besim's. I think that she gave a great introduction to the civilian side of the family members of the Drax Guard and showed some of the reality that comes with having family members in the military. (Even though it was a fictional military, I believe that she showed aspects of reality in her character) I loved all of the siblings in this book, they were realistic and wonderful both as a family and as individuals.
I am so excited for book number three to come out in February! This series is my newest obsession and I'm not objecting anytime soon! Another fantastic novel that's added to my collection that's centered on brotherly love, which is often overlooked or forgotten in a fantasy genre such as this. Can't wait to read about Remy in book three! I will be suffering until February.
February 7, 2025
Y’all, this new series with military urban fantasy, brotherhood, and themes of brokenness on the road to healing has already become my next favorite thing—and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
In this second installment we get to learn more about team member Besim and the struggles he faces with fear, sudden un-invincibility, and bad communication for a Communications Specialist. We also get to meet his adventurous sister, Nadire, and through them both investigate terrorists bent on revenge and navigate the complexity and unconditional love of family relationships. All interspersed, of course, with lived-in worldbuilding, awesome magic, action-packed combat, quippy but there for you comrades-in-arms, and a whole lot of emergency chocolate.
Heartfelt, deep with hard topics and deeper hope, this book has everything (and everyone!) I fell in love with in book 1, + more, and I can again hardly wait to get my hands on the next volume to continue the adventure.
In this second installment we get to learn more about team member Besim and the struggles he faces with fear, sudden un-invincibility, and bad communication for a Communications Specialist. We also get to meet his adventurous sister, Nadire, and through them both investigate terrorists bent on revenge and navigate the complexity and unconditional love of family relationships. All interspersed, of course, with lived-in worldbuilding, awesome magic, action-packed combat, quippy but there for you comrades-in-arms, and a whole lot of emergency chocolate.
Heartfelt, deep with hard topics and deeper hope, this book has everything (and everyone!) I fell in love with in book 1, + more, and I can again hardly wait to get my hands on the next volume to continue the adventure.
August 15, 2025
I loved that the POVs in this one were Besim and his sister, rather than two love interests! It’s something you don’t find in books nearly as often. Also the dynamics between them and
the rest of their family were a nice touch.
(I liked the coffee shop setting, too. But then, when do I NOT like a coffee shop setting? 😆)
Besim’s issues (and Nadire’s) seemed like a nice change of pace from the heaviness of Cieran’s in the first book. Not that both aren’t important and relatable, but sometimes it’s good to see main characters who aren’t struggling with a big traumatic backstory.
Of course, there was still some tension and action to balance it all out!
I can’t wait to move onto the next in the series. Remy’s POV should be interesting!
the rest of their family were a nice touch.
(I liked the coffee shop setting, too. But then, when do I NOT like a coffee shop setting? 😆)
Besim’s issues (and Nadire’s) seemed like a nice change of pace from the heaviness of Cieran’s in the first book. Not that both aren’t important and relatable, but sometimes it’s good to see main characters who aren’t struggling with a big traumatic backstory.
Of course, there was still some tension and action to balance it all out!
I can’t wait to move onto the next in the series. Remy’s POV should be interesting!
December 22, 2024
Love this big family, sibling story, the way they have each other’s backs even when they don’t always get along. And the way the crew is there, like a second family, too.
I feel like this book beat me over the head in just the right way. I relate to Besim a lot more than I thought I would. I’ve always responded to questions about my well-being with a smile and a chipper “good!”, and it’s starting to not always be the truth. For the first time this year I’ve actually been not ok, and I don’t do well with conveying that. And Besim’s struggle with admitting he’s not ok, leaning on others, and getting through it is inspiring.
I’m falling more and more in love with Crew Six with every book!
I feel like this book beat me over the head in just the right way. I relate to Besim a lot more than I thought I would. I’ve always responded to questions about my well-being with a smile and a chipper “good!”, and it’s starting to not always be the truth. For the first time this year I’ve actually been not ok, and I don’t do well with conveying that. And Besim’s struggle with admitting he’s not ok, leaning on others, and getting through it is inspiring.
I’m falling more and more in love with Crew Six with every book!
December 24, 2024
This was SO GOOD and I wish I had a Time Machine so I didn’t have to wait for the next one to come out 😭😭😭
August 4, 2025
I'm a painfully slow reader, so finishing this book in just over a day should say a lot about how much I enjoyed it, but I'll still fill you in on all the juicy details with a full review. 😉
First of all, I was surprised at how well it worked for the next book in the series to be told from a different POV (despite the fact that this is exactly what I did in my own series lol). I felt like I got to see enough of Cieran and even Athina to satisfy my obsession, while at the same time getting to know the rest of the crew better, and since I'm a sucker for a Mom Friend character, I especially loved seeing into Besim's head.
And it's a bit of a mess, poor guy. Book 1 did a number on him, and Claire wrote a wonderfully complex yet approachable take on the trauma and confusion that comes from such an experience. I can relate to always being the therapist but hating to need therapy, and his growth throughout the story was satisfying and even a little tear-jerking 🥹
I wasn't sure what to think of the Nadire at first, but I like getting a sibling dual-POV for a change. It felt fresh and interesting, and her own growth and perspective added a lot to the overall plot. Besim's large and close-knit family reminds me a lot of my own and it was really... comforting, in a way.
There was plenty of action in this one, despite only being 200 pages! Yet, between insane magic battles and terrorist takedowns there was still room for heartfelt moments, jokes, and the camaraderie that makes me so fond of the Drax Guard series. I'm looking forward to book 3 and very glad it's already purchased and waiting on my shelf. 😍
A couple | CONTENT NOTES | for those who may be curious (with a mild spoiler)
- Some occasional swearing, which I would expect in a military story, but it's interspersed with fantasy swears to take the brunt of the heavy duty stuff so it never made me uncomfortable personally.
- The final battle involves some necromancy, which was unexpected and not my favorite, but it was only a couple pages.
- Battles with death, obviously. Some serious injuries, some gore but nothing overly graphic.
First of all, I was surprised at how well it worked for the next book in the series to be told from a different POV (despite the fact that this is exactly what I did in my own series lol). I felt like I got to see enough of Cieran and even Athina to satisfy my obsession, while at the same time getting to know the rest of the crew better, and since I'm a sucker for a Mom Friend character, I especially loved seeing into Besim's head.
And it's a bit of a mess, poor guy. Book 1 did a number on him, and Claire wrote a wonderfully complex yet approachable take on the trauma and confusion that comes from such an experience. I can relate to always being the therapist but hating to need therapy, and his growth throughout the story was satisfying and even a little tear-jerking 🥹
I wasn't sure what to think of the Nadire at first, but I like getting a sibling dual-POV for a change. It felt fresh and interesting, and her own growth and perspective added a lot to the overall plot. Besim's large and close-knit family reminds me a lot of my own and it was really... comforting, in a way.
There was plenty of action in this one, despite only being 200 pages! Yet, between insane magic battles and terrorist takedowns there was still room for heartfelt moments, jokes, and the camaraderie that makes me so fond of the Drax Guard series. I'm looking forward to book 3 and very glad it's already purchased and waiting on my shelf. 😍
A couple | CONTENT NOTES | for those who may be curious (with a mild spoiler)
- Some occasional swearing, which I would expect in a military story, but it's interspersed with fantasy swears to take the brunt of the heavy duty stuff so it never made me uncomfortable personally.
- The final battle involves some necromancy, which was unexpected and not my favorite, but it was only a couple pages.
- Battles with death, obviously. Some serious injuries, some gore but nothing overly graphic.
August 8, 2025
3.5 stars
In this second installment in the series, the POV characters are Besim and his sister, Nadire . I really liked the focus on the siblings in this one! A different dynamic completely and I liked the familial relationships.
I especially liked Besim's journey with fear and trust and how his injury and the reality that he is neither as safe nor as in control as he believed affects him.
There is a nice slow build of the larger cast and furthering the relationship between the core team, even as this volume hones in on Besim and healing some attitudes and hearts in his family.
In this second installment in the series, the POV characters are Besim and his sister, Nadire . I really liked the focus on the siblings in this one! A different dynamic completely and I liked the familial relationships.
I especially liked Besim's journey with fear and trust and how his injury and the reality that he is neither as safe nor as in control as he believed affects him.
There is a nice slow build of the larger cast and furthering the relationship between the core team, even as this volume hones in on Besim and healing some attitudes and hearts in his family.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2025
I loved this one! Besim was one of my favorite characters from book one, so I was so excited to discover book two was from his POV!
I loved the sibling dynamics and having both Besim and Nadire’s POVs, and the coffee shop! One of my favorite parts was getting to read a well-written Catholic character.
This is definitely my favorite in the series so far, and I can’t wait to keep reading!
I loved the sibling dynamics and having both Besim and Nadire’s POVs, and the coffee shop! One of my favorite parts was getting to read a well-written Catholic character.
This is definitely my favorite in the series so far, and I can’t wait to keep reading!
April 14, 2025
This might be a story about special forces magic users, but I swear the magic is Claire's characters. They're so freaking lovable.
Want to read
May 23, 2025SM
October 3, 2025
good story. creative world. enjoying this series.
July 31, 2025
Really good sibling dynamics and PTSD type representation!
September 2, 2025
If you're a fan of sibling stories, found-brothers stories, mental health stories, books with siblings where they're allowed to be positive relationships but also messy and sometimes painful, positive MC of faith/Catholic rep, and urban fantasy vibes but without magic being hidden, this book is for you. (Do start with book one, though!)
I found both Besim and Nadire achingly relatable--Besim in his "I am supposed to have things together and support other people, not the other way around" and "I want someone to ask me if I'm okay but I also don't want to or even know how to explain that I'm not" and depression manifesting in part as irritability. Nadire in her desire to prove herself, struggling with feeling not as together or reliable or impressive as her siblings, and feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to support her sibling.
The band-of-brothers vibes continue to be fantastic. Also I just continue to really love the worldbuilding and little alt-history tidbits.
I found both Besim and Nadire achingly relatable--Besim in his "I am supposed to have things together and support other people, not the other way around" and "I want someone to ask me if I'm okay but I also don't want to or even know how to explain that I'm not" and depression manifesting in part as irritability. Nadire in her desire to prove herself, struggling with feeling not as together or reliable or impressive as her siblings, and feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to support her sibling.
The band-of-brothers vibes continue to be fantastic. Also I just continue to really love the worldbuilding and little alt-history tidbits.
February 1, 2025
I thought I was calm and collected about this series. But then I read this book twice in the span of like 5 weeks. So. Take that as you will.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews