It's been a year since Valencia plummeted through the windows of the City Centre, the key to the secrets of Emaldin's shady Institute clenched in her hand.
A year since she last used her curse on another.
A year since the only person immune to her disappeared.
She's making it work. She's got a new name, a new place, a new life- and even possibly a few friends. But Valencia can't bury her head in the sand forever, and when a stranger shows up at her doorstep, claiming to know Eli and demanding the key, she's thrust back into the secretive game she thought she left behind.
Things between the Outer and Inner cities are heating to an all-time high, and no one outside of the Pod can afford to ignore it any longer. Valencia must avoid falling back on old destructive habits in order to play the game like Eli knew she could. This time is different, though, because she's got something she's never had before: people to fight for.
There's no time to spare; the revolution is already here.
I Loved this! So much evolved from the first. After the first one I couldn't wait to see what unfolded - and honestly going further into Valencia's world drew me further and further in! Can't wait for the next one!
I have to admit, I'm usually a bit dissapointed by sequels, just because they don't measure up to the first book, but I LOVED this one. This is one of my favourite book worlds ever and it's the perfect fall read.
My love for the sequel was confirmed when I read the dedication in the beginning. Found family is objectively speaking one of the best tropes out there and this book is just an ode to it.
This book was everything I needed to hear and more, it helped me through some tough times and I can't wait to read the rest of the series. Valencia is still my favourite character, one of the best characters ever written. Speaking of writing, T.J. Swackhammer is an artist. Every sentence reads like the velvet, it's so smooth and honestly the best. Everyone can tell a story but not many are capable of making a twisted fairytale, that touches your sould and spits you out.
I'll also post a review with spoilers :) I have thoughts, many many thoughts, but for now, let the reread begin.