Oooo… I really enjoyed this next installment of the Shadows & Starlight series. It’s often not easy to “live up” to the first book in a series, but Botanist’s Game definitely had no issues keeping up with the excitement and adventure from Seven Crowns.
Following the conclusion of the challenge, Ana is now dealing with everything that happened in book one. The moment she returns to Bellaton with Adam, she is challenged mentally, physically, and emotionally as she tries to find her place in a world that is still new to her. Ana needs to navigate her way around the Seven, figure out exactly what her feelings are for Adam and Samuel and, of course, hide the fact that she does not have the power of healing. All the while also trying to dodge less-than-friendly classmates and assassination attempts. Welcome back to Bellaton!
I thought this was a great read. There were twists and turns, and despite a bit of a slow beginning, I was definitely engaged throughout. I felt Ana had some great character development. Her stubbornness and tantrums felt fairly accurate for someone her age, and I appreciated how the author portrayed this side of her without making her too whiny. The set-up into sharing Ana’s family history was, in my opinion, quite well done and gave great depth to her character. I also really appreciate how there is a love story, but it doesn’t steal the attention away from the main plot. Wonderful read and can’t wait to see what happens next!
Thank you StoryOrigin and EV Everest for my copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.