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Nova's Blade: A Young Adult Dystopian Cyberpunk
THIRTY-TWO WOMEN. ONE ARENA. A BATTLE TO THE DEATH.
After a long war, corporations have replaced countries. Sports are fought to the death. The most popular game is Last Valkyrie, a live tournament where women kill each other for marriage into a powerful family.
For Nova, living in poverty with her mother and sister is a harsh reality that she cannot escape. But when she is kidnapped and forced to fight on the show, her world changes. If she refuses to fight, the bomb in her head goes off. Now winning means her freedom.
With death lurking at every moment, Nova has no idea if her next fight will be her last. But one thing she knows for certain: only one is making it out alive.
Perfect for fans of Hunger Games, The Selection, and The Princess Trials. You won't want to put down this exciting page-turner!
After a long war, corporations have replaced countries. Sports are fought to the death. The most popular game is Last Valkyrie, a live tournament where women kill each other for marriage into a powerful family.
For Nova, living in poverty with her mother and sister is a harsh reality that she cannot escape. But when she is kidnapped and forced to fight on the show, her world changes. If she refuses to fight, the bomb in her head goes off. Now winning means her freedom.
With death lurking at every moment, Nova has no idea if her next fight will be her last. But one thing she knows for certain: only one is making it out alive.
Perfect for fans of Hunger Games, The Selection, and The Princess Trials. You won't want to put down this exciting page-turner!
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2022
About the author
Will Scifi
14 books25 followersWill Scifi is a pen name for an author from California. He loves reading and writing mainly science fiction that touches on themes surrounding American culture. He draws inspiration from the over 500 movies he has watched in the last 5 years, books, tv shows, and real life. When he is not writing, he can be found in the gym or watching movies at home or in the theaters. He thanks all of his fans for their support and highly encourages anyone who has read his work to always leave a review.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
May 21, 2022
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via the author.
3.5 Stars.
Novas Blade is a dystopian space thriller ideal for fans of the hunger games. This bookwas fast paced and action packed with a likeable and relatable, strong female character, Nova.
I enjoyed this cyberpunk read, although I did struggle with the writing style at times, but having said that- this is an ARC, so the final version should be a lot more polished!
Thus is an exciting new series for YA readers with a lot to offer, and well worth a read as it is very different to other books I have read.
3.5 Stars.
Novas Blade is a dystopian space thriller ideal for fans of the hunger games. This bookwas fast paced and action packed with a likeable and relatable, strong female character, Nova.
I enjoyed this cyberpunk read, although I did struggle with the writing style at times, but having said that- this is an ARC, so the final version should be a lot more polished!
Thus is an exciting new series for YA readers with a lot to offer, and well worth a read as it is very different to other books I have read.
March 12, 2022
Review: 3.5 stars!
This book is perfect for fans of The Hunger Games and Squid Game!
The story follows a strong young woman Nova who isn’t scared of a fight. Nova lives in Shed Court, a poor neighbourhood in San Francisco and has to take care of her sick mother and young sister Luna. As a kid Nova was fascinated by the TV show ‘The Last Valkyrie’, where 32 women participate in games fighting to the death. The game had only one survivor which gets married to a bachelor of one of the most wealthy families. Over the years, Nova lost interest in the show.
Until one day, Nova gets abducted in an alley in the city after she went to get medicine for her mother. She wakes up alone having no idea what’s going on and finds herself, alongside many other women, taking part in dangerous challenges that might just cost their lives. They are forced to take part in deadly qualifications, with elimination by death, until there are only 32 women left. That is when, Blaze Neroburn appears and announces they are the contenders for the Last Valkyrie.
Nora and the other contenders are not able to tell society the truth about how they came to participate in these horrific games, which turns family and friends against them and has Nova going into a very emotional unravelled state.
The story takes place in a futuristic world, where people have cyber implants, can obtain nutrients by inhaling gas, drive flying cars, are protected by commercial police departments consisted partly of drones and robots, and many more interesting futuristic features are present. The worldbuilding of this futuristic world is super well done and captivating! There were many parts of the story that reminded me of The Hunger Games, one of my favourite series that sparked my love for reading, such as having to dress up nicely and make yourself popular to the public in order to obtain more resources from sponsors. The story is fast paced and action-packed, the pages flew in my hands. This combined with the fact that the storyline is easy to grasp, it keeps the reader intrigued the entire time.
The ending left room for a sequel! I recommend this book to all who like futuristic stories and deadly challenges like in Hunger Games or Squid Game.
This book is perfect for fans of The Hunger Games and Squid Game!
The story follows a strong young woman Nova who isn’t scared of a fight. Nova lives in Shed Court, a poor neighbourhood in San Francisco and has to take care of her sick mother and young sister Luna. As a kid Nova was fascinated by the TV show ‘The Last Valkyrie’, where 32 women participate in games fighting to the death. The game had only one survivor which gets married to a bachelor of one of the most wealthy families. Over the years, Nova lost interest in the show.
Until one day, Nova gets abducted in an alley in the city after she went to get medicine for her mother. She wakes up alone having no idea what’s going on and finds herself, alongside many other women, taking part in dangerous challenges that might just cost their lives. They are forced to take part in deadly qualifications, with elimination by death, until there are only 32 women left. That is when, Blaze Neroburn appears and announces they are the contenders for the Last Valkyrie.
Nora and the other contenders are not able to tell society the truth about how they came to participate in these horrific games, which turns family and friends against them and has Nova going into a very emotional unravelled state.
The story takes place in a futuristic world, where people have cyber implants, can obtain nutrients by inhaling gas, drive flying cars, are protected by commercial police departments consisted partly of drones and robots, and many more interesting futuristic features are present. The worldbuilding of this futuristic world is super well done and captivating! There were many parts of the story that reminded me of The Hunger Games, one of my favourite series that sparked my love for reading, such as having to dress up nicely and make yourself popular to the public in order to obtain more resources from sponsors. The story is fast paced and action-packed, the pages flew in my hands. This combined with the fact that the storyline is easy to grasp, it keeps the reader intrigued the entire time.
The ending left room for a sequel! I recommend this book to all who like futuristic stories and deadly challenges like in Hunger Games or Squid Game.
Did Not Finish
January 21, 2022The concept of this book was intriguing but the execution left a lot to be desired. Admittedly, I DNF’d this read after roughly 100 pages (which is why I am not leaving a starred review) because it was just painful to get into. There are so many grammatical mistakes and repetitive concepts/wording choices that it makes it difficult to get through. For example: in the 2 page prologue a character’s name is repeated 21 times whilst describing her actions and what is going on around her…21 times. I’m sorry but that is just poor writing and there are so many easy ways to remedy that issue that it is inexcusable to have it appear in a final product.
The overall plot of this book is a mix of The Hunger Games meets The Bachelor/Red Queen/The Selection (any series in which women must compete against each other for some “greater” purpose) but for me it just fell utterly flat.
The overall plot of this book is a mix of The Hunger Games meets The Bachelor/Red Queen/The Selection (any series in which women must compete against each other for some “greater” purpose) but for me it just fell utterly flat.
May 31, 2022
4.8⭐
The Hunger Games meets The Squib Game and American's Next Top model meets WWE (😅
This book is literary a coast roller 😅 we meet Nova, a girl with a sick mom and a teenager sister who is kidnapped and force to enter into a "reality tv show" which 32 women compete in an arena to become the Last Valkirie and just one would be survive.
Also, that one would have to marry the Chosen One.
I enjoyed this book because I loved the Hunger Games and when I was a teenager I enjoyed of American's Next Top Model.
Also, in this book you would see a dystopian World, with a lot of tecnology, rich people and poor people, cruelty and many more.
In this book you would see rivality, a Lot!
The Hunger Games meets The Squib Game and American's Next Top model meets WWE (😅
This book is literary a coast roller 😅 we meet Nova, a girl with a sick mom and a teenager sister who is kidnapped and force to enter into a "reality tv show" which 32 women compete in an arena to become the Last Valkirie and just one would be survive.
Also, that one would have to marry the Chosen One.
I enjoyed this book because I loved the Hunger Games and when I was a teenager I enjoyed of American's Next Top Model.
Also, in this book you would see a dystopian World, with a lot of tecnology, rich people and poor people, cruelty and many more.
In this book you would see rivality, a Lot!
January 13, 2022
3.5 stars……thank you to the author for sending me an ARC copy of his new book, which is due out in February. This is a sci-fi/dystopian/gladiator type read with hunger game vibes, following Nova, who is one bad ass women. Basically she’s gotta win the games and become a Valkyrie! I did enjoy the book, it was fast placed, and I’m sure if you like the hunger games you will love this. There is a bit gore in places (warning) and the writing gets a little clunky at times, but this is an arc, and yes I would definitely pick up another book by the author!
March 15, 2022
I like a YA action-packed adventure, don't you?
Nova's Blade is a cocktail read of The Hunger Games, The Squid Games, The Selection and various post-apocalyptic stories all blended together with a great dose of adventure and intrigue!
The plot is typical dystopian, the world is completely changed and a new 'corrupted' government has taken over. The reason for the present peril and what happened to the world wasn't explained as much as I would've liked but enough to make sense of it (hoping the next installments discloses more details).
Each year the famous Last Valkyrie Games are held gathering thirty-two girls from various courts in one isolated arena and forcing them to kill each other. The female contestants are chosen based on their fighting skills for compulsory participation. These televised games are then broadcasted live to all courts as people eagerly await the contestants' deathly fights. The last women standing will get to marry the bachelor of one of the most wealthy and powerful families aka "The Chosen One."
This book is written from the heroine's POV, Nova. She starts off in her home, a simple poor neighborhood in the Shed Court. She is the main provider for her mother and her sister Luna with her detective skills and the help of her best friend, Atlas. Until one day, she found herself being thrusted into the heart of a deadly arena on an isolated island where she has to fight for her own survival.
The female MC isn't the typical YA heroine I often read about. She is brash, honest, uptight, and indecisive which make her so realistic.
I loved how the author has woven a cyber punk setting with good old fashioned retro games in a dystopian setting making it readable for everyone. The pacing was so good too. He knows what is too much and he gives us just the right amount of it. Never a dull moment as you are constantly on the edge of your seat.
Despite the promise of some violence and gore, I would actually suggest it for a teenage audience and upward. The violence isn't explicit and exists on peripherals of what is otherwise a brilliant and a captivating read.
Personally, I grew up in a time where those YA Dystopian books were part of my childhood and if you did too, then you'll enjoy this one so much! It's a story about growing up before your time, fighting against oppression, and staying true to who you are until the very end. Needless to say, I am agonizing over the wait for the next installment!
Read this if you like books about:
- YA Dystopia and post apocalyptic setting
- Strong, Brash, and unpredictable heroine
- Deadly Survival Games
- Fighting oppression
- The Hunter becomes the Hunted trope
Huge thanks to the author for gifting me a copy of his book. What an adventurous ride!
Nova's Blade is a cocktail read of The Hunger Games, The Squid Games, The Selection and various post-apocalyptic stories all blended together with a great dose of adventure and intrigue!
The plot is typical dystopian, the world is completely changed and a new 'corrupted' government has taken over. The reason for the present peril and what happened to the world wasn't explained as much as I would've liked but enough to make sense of it (hoping the next installments discloses more details).
Each year the famous Last Valkyrie Games are held gathering thirty-two girls from various courts in one isolated arena and forcing them to kill each other. The female contestants are chosen based on their fighting skills for compulsory participation. These televised games are then broadcasted live to all courts as people eagerly await the contestants' deathly fights. The last women standing will get to marry the bachelor of one of the most wealthy and powerful families aka "The Chosen One."
This book is written from the heroine's POV, Nova. She starts off in her home, a simple poor neighborhood in the Shed Court. She is the main provider for her mother and her sister Luna with her detective skills and the help of her best friend, Atlas. Until one day, she found herself being thrusted into the heart of a deadly arena on an isolated island where she has to fight for her own survival.
The female MC isn't the typical YA heroine I often read about. She is brash, honest, uptight, and indecisive which make her so realistic.
I loved how the author has woven a cyber punk setting with good old fashioned retro games in a dystopian setting making it readable for everyone. The pacing was so good too. He knows what is too much and he gives us just the right amount of it. Never a dull moment as you are constantly on the edge of your seat.
Despite the promise of some violence and gore, I would actually suggest it for a teenage audience and upward. The violence isn't explicit and exists on peripherals of what is otherwise a brilliant and a captivating read.
Personally, I grew up in a time where those YA Dystopian books were part of my childhood and if you did too, then you'll enjoy this one so much! It's a story about growing up before your time, fighting against oppression, and staying true to who you are until the very end. Needless to say, I am agonizing over the wait for the next installment!
Read this if you like books about:
- YA Dystopia and post apocalyptic setting
- Strong, Brash, and unpredictable heroine
- Deadly Survival Games
- Fighting oppression
- The Hunter becomes the Hunted trope
Huge thanks to the author for gifting me a copy of his book. What an adventurous ride!
December 8, 2021
The Hunger Games meets Gladiator, meets Maze Runner, meets Kingsman (exploding heads). I could go on as there were so many different elements of some amazing films that I found myself visualising the further I read, which I'm sure in some small parts inspired elements of Will's writing.
It's dystopian, scifi & cyber punk all rolled into one epic fight to the death.
Fast paced, exciting & captivating from page one through to the end, Will invites us to join Nova on her roller coaster journey to becoming the last Valkyrie.
Many thanks to the author for my gifted copy.
It's dystopian, scifi & cyber punk all rolled into one epic fight to the death.
Fast paced, exciting & captivating from page one through to the end, Will invites us to join Nova on her roller coaster journey to becoming the last Valkyrie.
Many thanks to the author for my gifted copy.
February 27, 2022
the premise itself isn't terrible. the technology is cool and the world is interesting.
the writing is abysmal. just really awful. not an ounce of subtlety. nova changes her mind based on the temperature of the wind the girl is constantly back and forth. it's basically hunger games and squid games smashed together. which could be interesting with a lot of editing and rewrites. the plot itself was alright, the reveals were interesting and I didn't always see them coming.
the writing is abysmal. just really awful. not an ounce of subtlety. nova changes her mind based on the temperature of the wind the girl is constantly back and forth. it's basically hunger games and squid games smashed together. which could be interesting with a lot of editing and rewrites. the plot itself was alright, the reveals were interesting and I didn't always see them coming.
December 5, 2021
Review coming soon!
February 4, 2022
3.5⭐
Nova's Blade by Will Scifi is a ya dystopian & it is a debute that I really enjoyed. I couldn't believe I finished it in a day. It was really simple and easy to read.
🗡️The book is a lot like hunger games, the battles & everything, and as I had loved reading the hunger games, I liked this one too. It's action packed & you feel a rush of adrenaline at points.
✨ Story: Nova is kidnapped & is forced to play a game that ends in death of every woman playing, except one. The interesting thing is that the people watching the tournament don't know that the women playing have been forced to play.
🗡️Nova's character is pretty natural. It is simple yet interesting. The book is written in first person & it really connects the reader to the character. Nova isn't perfect & that made her character better. She's shown as a strong female who loves her family.
🗡️The book revolves around oppression, lies, brutality and violence. There are some pretty violent scenes during the battles/games. There's blood & gore (TW).
🗡️The writing was lucid. I think the story went on smoothly and I couldn't put the book down!
🗡️It is fast paced. It's great for beginners & for getting out of a reading slump. It's exciting and captivating.
🗡️I think there could've been more depth in the relations/emotions. I wanted more of the family relationships described.
🗡️I hope there's more world building in the next book that tells the reader how it all came to that (as it is a futuristic kinda book).
🗡️I would've loved to read more about Nova's job, I mean she works on the moon! And I really hope the next book comes out soon because I cannot wait to know what happens next!
🤍The author sent a copy of the book.
Nova's Blade by Will Scifi is a ya dystopian & it is a debute that I really enjoyed. I couldn't believe I finished it in a day. It was really simple and easy to read.
🗡️The book is a lot like hunger games, the battles & everything, and as I had loved reading the hunger games, I liked this one too. It's action packed & you feel a rush of adrenaline at points.
✨ Story: Nova is kidnapped & is forced to play a game that ends in death of every woman playing, except one. The interesting thing is that the people watching the tournament don't know that the women playing have been forced to play.
🗡️Nova's character is pretty natural. It is simple yet interesting. The book is written in first person & it really connects the reader to the character. Nova isn't perfect & that made her character better. She's shown as a strong female who loves her family.
🗡️The book revolves around oppression, lies, brutality and violence. There are some pretty violent scenes during the battles/games. There's blood & gore (TW).
🗡️The writing was lucid. I think the story went on smoothly and I couldn't put the book down!
🗡️It is fast paced. It's great for beginners & for getting out of a reading slump. It's exciting and captivating.
🗡️I think there could've been more depth in the relations/emotions. I wanted more of the family relationships described.
🗡️I hope there's more world building in the next book that tells the reader how it all came to that (as it is a futuristic kinda book).
🗡️I would've loved to read more about Nova's job, I mean she works on the moon! And I really hope the next book comes out soon because I cannot wait to know what happens next!
🤍The author sent a copy of the book.
March 7, 2022
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
NOVA’S BLADE was such a gripping read! It was a fast-paced page-turner perfect for readers who enjoy an action packed read. I was able to binge read it in three days, which is rare for me! Set in a sci-fi/dystopian world, the story revolves around a deadly competition with 32 women contestants who fight to the death. It reminded me of a classic within the dystopian genre, The Hunger Games. The competition followed similar patterns, as well as the corrupt power plays that unfold behind the scenes, though there were enough original elements to create a refreshing narrative that kept me on the edge of my seat. The story was filled with plot twists, and I really enjoyed how the author was unafraid to create shocking scenarios because it kept me surprised from start to finish!
The only thing I would have liked something more from was the characters, especially Nova. Her compassion was one of my favorite elements throughout, which is why I was a bit saddened by those abrupt moments of cold-blooded ruthlessness that felt a bit out of character. The secondary cast felt caged within the stereotypes of the genre at times, but they did add nuance to the story and I really enjoyed the dynamic between Nova and her team, especially Maximus. I’m hoping to see more of them in the next installments!
Overall, I found this read really enjoyable! Definitely one I recommend to fans of YA Dystopian and Sci-fi novels and to all readers who enjoyed The Hunger Games franchise.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. All opinions are my own.
NOVA’S BLADE was such a gripping read! It was a fast-paced page-turner perfect for readers who enjoy an action packed read. I was able to binge read it in three days, which is rare for me! Set in a sci-fi/dystopian world, the story revolves around a deadly competition with 32 women contestants who fight to the death. It reminded me of a classic within the dystopian genre, The Hunger Games. The competition followed similar patterns, as well as the corrupt power plays that unfold behind the scenes, though there were enough original elements to create a refreshing narrative that kept me on the edge of my seat. The story was filled with plot twists, and I really enjoyed how the author was unafraid to create shocking scenarios because it kept me surprised from start to finish!
The only thing I would have liked something more from was the characters, especially Nova. Her compassion was one of my favorite elements throughout, which is why I was a bit saddened by those abrupt moments of cold-blooded ruthlessness that felt a bit out of character. The secondary cast felt caged within the stereotypes of the genre at times, but they did add nuance to the story and I really enjoyed the dynamic between Nova and her team, especially Maximus. I’m hoping to see more of them in the next installments!
Overall, I found this read really enjoyable! Definitely one I recommend to fans of YA Dystopian and Sci-fi novels and to all readers who enjoyed The Hunger Games franchise.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. All opinions are my own.
February 1, 2022
Nova wishes for a better life for herself and her family ,one that will afford them the luxury of good food and proper medicine for her ailing mother. Life is hard and without any real opportunities for better jobs, better wages, better living conditions, hope is also hard to come by. Life for Nova is about to he upended as she’s kidnapped and forced to fight in the Valkyrie arena games, and as if that isn’t bad enough, she also has bomb implanted in her head to make sure she cooperates.
NOVA’S BLADE is an interesting and immersive sci-fi tale that not only tells a good story, but also weaves in plenty of real-world elements that mirror our own society today. Corporations have taken over in Nova’s world and while nothing has ever been free, now citizens have to go pay for things that would make their lives even just a fraction easier, like police protection. The world that the author created was such an interesting one, and I loved the bleakness and the hopeless feeling it gave me.
The characters were probably my favorite part of the book, particularly Nova. I absolutely loved her loyalty and her love for those she cares about, especially her mother. She’s certainly a tough character and her resilience and her strength is something that she will definitely need to survive this particular predicament.
Bottom line — a unique and interesting first book in what looks to be a new series. 3.5 stars.
NOVA’S BLADE is an interesting and immersive sci-fi tale that not only tells a good story, but also weaves in plenty of real-world elements that mirror our own society today. Corporations have taken over in Nova’s world and while nothing has ever been free, now citizens have to go pay for things that would make their lives even just a fraction easier, like police protection. The world that the author created was such an interesting one, and I loved the bleakness and the hopeless feeling it gave me.
The characters were probably my favorite part of the book, particularly Nova. I absolutely loved her loyalty and her love for those she cares about, especially her mother. She’s certainly a tough character and her resilience and her strength is something that she will definitely need to survive this particular predicament.
Bottom line — a unique and interesting first book in what looks to be a new series. 3.5 stars.
March 12, 2022
Nova's Blade was an epic YA Dystopian novel. It gave me major The Hunger Games vibes, but since this is one of my favourite series, it made me even more excited to continue reading.
Nova was a fierce character, but quite a hot-headed one as well. She quickly loses her temper, but she is one strong and badass female lead!
The plot was at times quite gruesome, but overall it flowed really well.
As it's a dystopian novel, the story was set somewhere in the future. I did get glimpses of how life on Earth was, and there were some really interesting aspects about the setting. However, I would have loved to see a little more of it.
The main issue I had with this book were the frequent spelling and grammar mistakes, which was a shame.
All in all this was a really great book, and it has sparked my love for dystopian again. Can definitely recommend!
Nova was a fierce character, but quite a hot-headed one as well. She quickly loses her temper, but she is one strong and badass female lead!
The plot was at times quite gruesome, but overall it flowed really well.
As it's a dystopian novel, the story was set somewhere in the future. I did get glimpses of how life on Earth was, and there were some really interesting aspects about the setting. However, I would have loved to see a little more of it.
The main issue I had with this book were the frequent spelling and grammar mistakes, which was a shame.
All in all this was a really great book, and it has sparked my love for dystopian again. Can definitely recommend!
March 14, 2022
Actual rating 3.5
Fans of the hunger games and any other classic dystopian novel will enjoy Nova’s Blade! This book is fast paced and action packed so it’s easy to binge.
The premise of this book is a deadly competition of women. Meanwhile, things conspire behind the scenes and we learn of the corrupt leadership. Nova is forced to make many hard decisions and I sometimes didn’t agree with them or think they were something that her character would do. I would have also liked seeing more from the secondary characters, they appeared flat to me at times!
Overall I really enjoyed this book and think it was a fun read!
Fans of the hunger games and any other classic dystopian novel will enjoy Nova’s Blade! This book is fast paced and action packed so it’s easy to binge.
The premise of this book is a deadly competition of women. Meanwhile, things conspire behind the scenes and we learn of the corrupt leadership. Nova is forced to make many hard decisions and I sometimes didn’t agree with them or think they were something that her character would do. I would have also liked seeing more from the secondary characters, they appeared flat to me at times!
Overall I really enjoyed this book and think it was a fun read!
January 20, 2022
Synopsis: 𝑻𝑯𝑰𝑹𝑻𝒀-𝑻𝑾𝑶 𝑾𝑶𝑴𝑬𝑵. 𝑶𝑵𝑬 𝑨𝑹𝑬𝑵𝑨. 𝑨 𝑩𝑨𝑻𝑻𝑳𝑬 𝑻𝑶 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑫𝑬𝑨𝑻𝑯. 𝑨𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒂 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒂𝒓, 𝒄𝒐𝒓𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔. 𝑺𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒑𝒐𝒑𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒓 𝒈𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝑳𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝑽𝒂𝒍𝒌𝒚𝒓𝒊𝒆, 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏 𝒌𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒂 𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒇𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚. 𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝑵𝒐𝒗𝒂, 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝒑𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒚 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒔𝒉 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒆𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒆. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒌𝒊𝒅𝒏𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒘, 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒔. 𝑰𝒇 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒎𝒃 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒈𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇𝒇. 𝑵𝒐𝒘 𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒐𝒎.
I loved this!!!! A must read for Hunger Games Fans, although Nova's Blade is far more gruesome I'm feeling a touch of Squid Game about it. These poor girls are put through hell from the moment of their kidnapping.
I liked the protagonist Nova from the get go and was routing for her constantly, such a strong, capable and investible character.
I Loved the flow of writing, made for a gripping read that I devoured.
It Finished with a huge cliffhanger that has left me very eager to know what happens next.
Thank you so much to @willscifi for my gifted ARC of the
I loved this!!!! A must read for Hunger Games Fans, although Nova's Blade is far more gruesome I'm feeling a touch of Squid Game about it. These poor girls are put through hell from the moment of their kidnapping.
I liked the protagonist Nova from the get go and was routing for her constantly, such a strong, capable and investible character.
I Loved the flow of writing, made for a gripping read that I devoured.
It Finished with a huge cliffhanger that has left me very eager to know what happens next.
Thank you so much to @willscifi for my gifted ARC of the
March 11, 2022
3.5 stars:
Y’all, I’m a sucker for a fast paced dystopian book…and I totally binged this one! It gave me major Hunger Games vibes and I LOVE that series. I definitely recommend if you’re also a THG fan! This story was kind of a cross between The Hunger Games and The Bachelor…and while that might sound odd, the author totally pulled it off.
Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Y’all, I’m a sucker for a fast paced dystopian book…and I totally binged this one! It gave me major Hunger Games vibes and I LOVE that series. I definitely recommend if you’re also a THG fan! This story was kind of a cross between The Hunger Games and The Bachelor…and while that might sound odd, the author totally pulled it off.
Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 22, 2022
2.5/5 stars
Nova's Blade is a little bit Hunger Games, a little bit Squid Game, and a splash of The Selection. This book follows our main character, Nova, as she's kidnapped from the life she's known and forced to fight to the death for her life. She goes from living in poverty to training and fighting for life while living a very plush life. She's now a contestant on a show called Last Valkyrie and the winner gets her life, marriage to a wealthy bachelor, money, and the bomb removed from their head. This book is an action packed and very quick read.
This book was pretty good, Nova is a very strong character but holds onto a lot of guilt and automatically blames herself when things go wrong. She cares for her friends and family and feels remorse when she has to kill her fellow Valkyries. However, her emotions are told to us and not shown. We get a sentence or two about them, but it's not elaborated on much. If there was more showing than telling throughout different areas of the book I feel it would read a lot more smoothly. The beginning was a bit rough with trying to give us backstory and worldbuilding. Overall the book had a lot of action and was fast paced, I'm curious where the story will go next, but I'm not sure if I'll continue the series.
Nova's Blade is a little bit Hunger Games, a little bit Squid Game, and a splash of The Selection. This book follows our main character, Nova, as she's kidnapped from the life she's known and forced to fight to the death for her life. She goes from living in poverty to training and fighting for life while living a very plush life. She's now a contestant on a show called Last Valkyrie and the winner gets her life, marriage to a wealthy bachelor, money, and the bomb removed from their head. This book is an action packed and very quick read.
This book was pretty good, Nova is a very strong character but holds onto a lot of guilt and automatically blames herself when things go wrong. She cares for her friends and family and feels remorse when she has to kill her fellow Valkyries. However, her emotions are told to us and not shown. We get a sentence or two about them, but it's not elaborated on much. If there was more showing than telling throughout different areas of the book I feel it would read a lot more smoothly. The beginning was a bit rough with trying to give us backstory and worldbuilding. Overall the book had a lot of action and was fast paced, I'm curious where the story will go next, but I'm not sure if I'll continue the series.
February 28, 2022
Nova’s Blade is a dystopian sci-fi novel by Will SciFi. The premise of the story is very interesting… especially for fans of Hunger Games, The Selection, and The Princess Trials.
It is a quick and easy read with an intriguing and engaging plot. The execution could have been better and a little polished.
Apart from that; the plot, the characters, the elements…everything was brilliant. I loved Nova as the badass strong female lead.
The book is a great blend of sci-fi, dystopia and cyberpunk. I’m not a fan of these genres but this book was a page-turner! It is fast-paced, action filled and thrilling to the core. Lies, oppression and secrets surround the story…it is captivating from the very start.
There are scenes depicting brutality and violence but I didn’t mind that. Apart from a few fallacies in the execution, the book is definitely worth a read!
Rating: 4/5
It is a quick and easy read with an intriguing and engaging plot. The execution could have been better and a little polished.
Apart from that; the plot, the characters, the elements…everything was brilliant. I loved Nova as the badass strong female lead.
The book is a great blend of sci-fi, dystopia and cyberpunk. I’m not a fan of these genres but this book was a page-turner! It is fast-paced, action filled and thrilling to the core. Lies, oppression and secrets surround the story…it is captivating from the very start.
There are scenes depicting brutality and violence but I didn’t mind that. Apart from a few fallacies in the execution, the book is definitely worth a read!
Rating: 4/5
May 24, 2022
This one gave me all the nostalgic feels! Very interesting take on YA sci-fi tropes. I LOVED all the feminist badassery throughout the story. If you're a fan of The Selection series and/or The Hunger Games, definitely check this one out! Huge thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review!
March 15, 2022
Actual rating 3.5
I enjoyed this one! This is not my usual goto genre, but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with the story. Empowering and determined is the best way to describe it. The characters are fighting for their lives. I loved seeing the inspirational bits from hunger games and squid games with a bit of the show survivor (yes, I’m old lol)
The characters were focused and well built, the pace of the story was pretty steady. Nova was definitely one i would consider to be strong female lead. I would have loved to learn a bit more about the origins of the characters as well as the world.
Huge thanks to the author for gifting me a copy, all opinions are my own. Looking forward to reading more about Nova Blade!
I enjoyed this one! This is not my usual goto genre, but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with the story. Empowering and determined is the best way to describe it. The characters are fighting for their lives. I loved seeing the inspirational bits from hunger games and squid games with a bit of the show survivor (yes, I’m old lol)
The characters were focused and well built, the pace of the story was pretty steady. Nova was definitely one i would consider to be strong female lead. I would have loved to learn a bit more about the origins of the characters as well as the world.
Huge thanks to the author for gifting me a copy, all opinions are my own. Looking forward to reading more about Nova Blade!
March 8, 2024
the beginning and the ending were all right but the middle was a serious copy and paste. the character names are unoriginal and mediocre.
January 16, 2022
I don't often read Sci Fi but I am glad I took a chance with this one.
This was like hunger games in space. Full of action, this dystopian thriller will have you eager to turn the page!
I really loved Nova, our MC, she wasn't perfect and she made mistakes and was relatable. But she was a badass and I was rooting for her throughout the book.
Very well written and fast paced, with tough characters that will have you hooked.
I can't wait for book 2 and more from this author
This was like hunger games in space. Full of action, this dystopian thriller will have you eager to turn the page!
I really loved Nova, our MC, she wasn't perfect and she made mistakes and was relatable. But she was a badass and I was rooting for her throughout the book.
Very well written and fast paced, with tough characters that will have you hooked.
I can't wait for book 2 and more from this author
February 27, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nova’s Blade is like the intense love child of the Bachelor and the Hunger Games. Nova, stolen from her family, is thrown into the TV, The Last Valkyrie, and has to fight for her life for marriage into a prominent family.
This book is a fast paced, quick read that is really easy to fly through. There is constant action and you are never bored when reading this book!
There is quite a bit of gore and violence, so it might not be for every YA reader, I’d probably put it more in the new adult/adult category.
It is a pretty interesting book!
Nova’s Blade is like the intense love child of the Bachelor and the Hunger Games. Nova, stolen from her family, is thrown into the TV, The Last Valkyrie, and has to fight for her life for marriage into a prominent family.
This book is a fast paced, quick read that is really easy to fly through. There is constant action and you are never bored when reading this book!
There is quite a bit of gore and violence, so it might not be for every YA reader, I’d probably put it more in the new adult/adult category.
It is a pretty interesting book!
January 1, 2022
This dystopian thriller – in which women publicly fight each other to the death for societal privileges and a good marriage – calls to mind The Hunger Games and Squid Game, and has the same dark and disturbing edge.
The concept and world-building were my favourite things about the novel. I enjoyed the subtle hints at the wider world, which are woven into the central narrative, giving the reader a glimpse at the technological advancements and power structure of The Corporate States of America. I also appreciated the action-packed plot, which sends the protagonist, Nova, from one high-pressure situation straight into another.
I did find that some parts of the story felt clunky or predictable at times, with the copy needing a little bit of refinement, and the brutal action seemed a bit gory for a novel marketed as YA (so read with caution if gore is something you're sensitive to).
However, if you're looking for a striking, futuristic read with cyber-tech and a whole cast of badass women, and if you want something to fill the void left by The Hunger Games and Squid Game, you might want to add this to your TBR.
The concept and world-building were my favourite things about the novel. I enjoyed the subtle hints at the wider world, which are woven into the central narrative, giving the reader a glimpse at the technological advancements and power structure of The Corporate States of America. I also appreciated the action-packed plot, which sends the protagonist, Nova, from one high-pressure situation straight into another.
I did find that some parts of the story felt clunky or predictable at times, with the copy needing a little bit of refinement, and the brutal action seemed a bit gory for a novel marketed as YA (so read with caution if gore is something you're sensitive to).
However, if you're looking for a striking, futuristic read with cyber-tech and a whole cast of badass women, and if you want something to fill the void left by The Hunger Games and Squid Game, you might want to add this to your TBR.
December 21, 2021
I would like to thank the author for the gifted copy. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions are my own
This is the first book that I have read by Will Scifi. The story is described as a futuristic, dystopian style book with a flair for gladiator games. It sounded really interesting and I thought I would give it a try.
This story follows Nova who lives with her mother and sister in poverty. Nova is one day kidnapped and sent to an unknown location where she is told to compete for a position in the Last Valkyarie Games. Only 50 women survive in order to compete. This is a gladiator style competition where there will only be one winner and all games our fought to a the death. The winner is promised marriage into a very powerful family.
The book was very fast paced and easy to read. I loved Nova and how tough and resilient she is. She loves her sister and her goal is to make it home to her. The games are brutal and very similar to a Hunger Games type of competition. There is a ton of violence and gore in this book. beware of that if it is content that you are sensitive too. the only issue that I had with the book was at time the story did not flow easily. The content is there I just believe a bit of tweaking to the story will help with the progression of the book. I did enjoy the book and I look forward to reading more from this author. I give this book 4 stars.
This is the first book that I have read by Will Scifi. The story is described as a futuristic, dystopian style book with a flair for gladiator games. It sounded really interesting and I thought I would give it a try.
This story follows Nova who lives with her mother and sister in poverty. Nova is one day kidnapped and sent to an unknown location where she is told to compete for a position in the Last Valkyarie Games. Only 50 women survive in order to compete. This is a gladiator style competition where there will only be one winner and all games our fought to a the death. The winner is promised marriage into a very powerful family.
The book was very fast paced and easy to read. I loved Nova and how tough and resilient she is. She loves her sister and her goal is to make it home to her. The games are brutal and very similar to a Hunger Games type of competition. There is a ton of violence and gore in this book. beware of that if it is content that you are sensitive too. the only issue that I had with the book was at time the story did not flow easily. The content is there I just believe a bit of tweaking to the story will help with the progression of the book. I did enjoy the book and I look forward to reading more from this author. I give this book 4 stars.
October 26, 2021
Thank you to the author for submitting an ARC for review!
3.5 stars
Admittedly I found the writing itself to be a bit clunky or choppy, but that being said Nova's Blade is an action-packed YA dystopian with lots of interesting characters, story twists, and more. It's definitely a book with good bones, it just could be refined a bit more. Of course, maybe I'm being too picky and it's important to remember that I am reviewing an Advance Copy so the final book may be different. Also, because it's an ARC, I'm weighing the story a bit more heavily than the execution.
I don't think I've ever read anything described as "cyberpunk" before and I was excited to try it. This book combines elements of YA, dystopia, science fiction, gladiators, and more with elements similar to The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins), Aunare Chronicles (Aileen Erin), Red Rising (Pierce Brown), and other fantastic series. It even made me think a little bit of The Selection series what with competing women to marry corporate "princes". Anyone who enjoys those types of stories shouldn't be too quick to pass up this new series because it has a lot to offer and just may be what will launch you out of your book slump. I do wish that the writing was smoother with more depth, but it still managed to entertain me. I enjoy bopping around between genres and this one popped up at the right moment! I look forward to seeing more readers pick up Nova's Blade!
[Note: Nova's Blade doesn't come out until February and I'm hoping to have some fun stuff to share with you on blog to help promote it! Make sure you're following my blog so you don't miss out!]
3.5 stars
Admittedly I found the writing itself to be a bit clunky or choppy, but that being said Nova's Blade is an action-packed YA dystopian with lots of interesting characters, story twists, and more. It's definitely a book with good bones, it just could be refined a bit more. Of course, maybe I'm being too picky and it's important to remember that I am reviewing an Advance Copy so the final book may be different. Also, because it's an ARC, I'm weighing the story a bit more heavily than the execution.
I don't think I've ever read anything described as "cyberpunk" before and I was excited to try it. This book combines elements of YA, dystopia, science fiction, gladiators, and more with elements similar to The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins), Aunare Chronicles (Aileen Erin), Red Rising (Pierce Brown), and other fantastic series. It even made me think a little bit of The Selection series what with competing women to marry corporate "princes". Anyone who enjoys those types of stories shouldn't be too quick to pass up this new series because it has a lot to offer and just may be what will launch you out of your book slump. I do wish that the writing was smoother with more depth, but it still managed to entertain me. I enjoy bopping around between genres and this one popped up at the right moment! I look forward to seeing more readers pick up Nova's Blade!
[Note: Nova's Blade doesn't come out until February and I'm hoping to have some fun stuff to share with you on blog to help promote it! Make sure you're following my blog so you don't miss out!]
May 6, 2022
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“Nova’s Blade” is a thrilling dystopian Young adult novel that I enjoyed reading!
As a big fan of “Hunger Games,” I thought this book was very entertaining because of how the author executed it. While it gives the vibes of “The Hunger Games,” the author makes it stand apart because of Nova. I think Nova is aggressive and daring yet shows a side of vulnerability. I loved her complex sibling dynamics with Luna after the effects of what happened to their mother.
Moreover, the authors add a lot of action and excitement, especially once the match starts for the Last Valkyrie. The chapters glued me during the games with Athena, Pixis, Bellona, Hybris, and Elpis. Some moments just shocked me because of the gore, and even I thought it fit perfectly with the story’s theme.
There is also a touch of young adult romance as we see Nova fighting her feelings for Atlas and Octavian. I liked Octavian a more prominent in the second installment. In addition, I also loved Maximus (and even Flavius) as they supported Nova and trained her well. The story also ends in a shocking cliffhanger, which makes me look forward to reading the second book in the series!
Perhaps the only minor downside to the tale is, at times, that I felt there were too many characters on canvas. For instance, Tyrel only comes for a short time, and I thought he was initially exciting, but he disappeared in a short time.
Apart from that, I thoroughly enjoyed “Nova’s Blade,” and I eagerly look forward to the second book in the series.
February 1, 2022
This book was kindly gifted to me in exchange for an honest review.
The Hunger Games meets Squid Games… in space. This book is interesting and fairly gruesome - so don’t read if you’re squeamish! This futuristic way of living is followed in this ‘new world’ before the population all sit down of an evening to watch 32 women fight to the death every year. An intriguing story for sure.
For starters, isn’t this cover stunning? I love fantasy and strong female characters so already this was right up my street. Nova and her family do not have a lot of money, so we see her struggling to get by before being thrown into the games. I wish we had a little more time in this section, before the games begin.
I think this is my general thought throughout the entire book. I devoured this book so quickly - I just wish we had a bit more detail. The pacing is so quick, you do feel like you are rushing through. For example, the ‘Squid Game-esc’ trials for the games are over in a matter of pages but are the most interesting part of the book, painting the game creators as true monsters but I feel it was glossed over far too quickly. I think the character development does suffer throughout the book because of this. But I do still cheer Nova on throughout each of her matches!
I also wish we had more space! Nova works on the moon - how amazing is that? But we only have one scene here and the rest of the book is set in a sort of “new aged” America. Yes there were hover cars and advanced technology - but there’s always room for more space in a sci-fi novel!
Tw: talk of suicide, gruesome descriptions, fake miscarriage
I feel Nova pretending she had a miscarriage really disconnects us from her human side. I really didn’t like that.
The book ends on such a cliffhanger, I can’t imagine anyone could resist holding back buying the sequel when it eventually arrives. A good debut novel from Will Scifi.
The Hunger Games meets Squid Games… in space. This book is interesting and fairly gruesome - so don’t read if you’re squeamish! This futuristic way of living is followed in this ‘new world’ before the population all sit down of an evening to watch 32 women fight to the death every year. An intriguing story for sure.
For starters, isn’t this cover stunning? I love fantasy and strong female characters so already this was right up my street. Nova and her family do not have a lot of money, so we see her struggling to get by before being thrown into the games. I wish we had a little more time in this section, before the games begin.
I think this is my general thought throughout the entire book. I devoured this book so quickly - I just wish we had a bit more detail. The pacing is so quick, you do feel like you are rushing through. For example, the ‘Squid Game-esc’ trials for the games are over in a matter of pages but are the most interesting part of the book, painting the game creators as true monsters but I feel it was glossed over far too quickly. I think the character development does suffer throughout the book because of this. But I do still cheer Nova on throughout each of her matches!
I also wish we had more space! Nova works on the moon - how amazing is that? But we only have one scene here and the rest of the book is set in a sort of “new aged” America. Yes there were hover cars and advanced technology - but there’s always room for more space in a sci-fi novel!
Tw: talk of suicide, gruesome descriptions, fake miscarriage
I feel Nova pretending she had a miscarriage really disconnects us from her human side. I really didn’t like that.
The book ends on such a cliffhanger, I can’t imagine anyone could resist holding back buying the sequel when it eventually arrives. A good debut novel from Will Scifi.
February 26, 2022
Nova's Blade is a dystopian space thriller, in which Nova is kidnapped and forced to fight for her life in a deadly bachelor-style competition in which only one woman will survive. But the whole show is fake and Nova is struggling to keep the secret, with her emotions bubbling out of control, can Nova defeat her opponents while keeping the facade? Or will her head get blown off?
My favourite thing about this book was the plot. This book was heavily based off of the hunger games and the only thing that really annoyed me, was the fact that there were some scenes that felt like the author had just taken them from Hunger Games. But other than that the plot was really good, and kept me intrigued the whole time. in fact I read the majority of this book in one sitting!
I will admit, I struggled to get into this book because of the writing style. It was kind of stop-starty if that makes sense. Like there was a bunch of short sentences in sucesion which made it kind of annoying to read. But, I kept on pushing through because the plot sounded very interesting and I really wanted to know what would happen. Eventually you do get used to the writing style and even enjoy it at times.
I found the characters to be pretty unique, they're emotions and relationships could've been fleshed out a little more, but I still really enjoyed them the way they were. Nova was a great main character and I enjoyed reading about her journey and how she coped with all the things happening to her in the book. However, I really did love the side characters and they just made this book. I am really looking forward to looking into the lives of those side characters in the next book! I also enjoyed the worldbuilding of this story, but could've used a little context on how this world sort of came around.
Overall, a pretty average book. But a great option if you're looking for a quick and easy read that will keep you hooked throughout!
~ Abby
My favourite thing about this book was the plot. This book was heavily based off of the hunger games and the only thing that really annoyed me, was the fact that there were some scenes that felt like the author had just taken them from Hunger Games. But other than that the plot was really good, and kept me intrigued the whole time. in fact I read the majority of this book in one sitting!
I will admit, I struggled to get into this book because of the writing style. It was kind of stop-starty if that makes sense. Like there was a bunch of short sentences in sucesion which made it kind of annoying to read. But, I kept on pushing through because the plot sounded very interesting and I really wanted to know what would happen. Eventually you do get used to the writing style and even enjoy it at times.
I found the characters to be pretty unique, they're emotions and relationships could've been fleshed out a little more, but I still really enjoyed them the way they were. Nova was a great main character and I enjoyed reading about her journey and how she coped with all the things happening to her in the book. However, I really did love the side characters and they just made this book. I am really looking forward to looking into the lives of those side characters in the next book! I also enjoyed the worldbuilding of this story, but could've used a little context on how this world sort of came around.
Overall, a pretty average book. But a great option if you're looking for a quick and easy read that will keep you hooked throughout!
~ Abby
March 26, 2022
I was kindly sent ‘Novas Blade’ from the author to read in return for an honest review.
Well this book took me a little bit by surprise. The genre of cyberpunk is completely new to me and not one I have heard of before. I am not the biggest reader of dystopian and sci-fi so I went into this book expecting it to be a slow read and possibly a DNF for me.
This premise of the story is what kept my interest initially. Thirty two women are thrust into the arena to fight to the death, until one of them emerges victorious and becomes the last Valkyrie. The book gave me massive Hunger Games vibes but with a lot of explicit violence and brutally grotesque scenes. I found reading these scenes quite unsettling, especially with the little remorse or guilt reflected back in the main protagonist, making them very cold and somewhat unredeemable. The little emotion she did show was snuffed out very quickly, leaving little growth and development of her character.
I also found that there were scenes that didn’t have much relevance to the plot. They seemed important at the time but by the end of the book nothing really happened to explain why they occurred. This could have been filled instead with more immersive world building, character relationships and maybe more strategic fighting. As much as the blood and gore boarded on to much, I felt that they warranted more ‘screen time’ as the author clearly has a talent for battle scenes. Although there appears to be a vast cast of characters in this book, we see little of them and I found their relationships with Nova could have been developed upon and really created a different view of Nova altogether.
Despite how I felt about this book, you can see that as a first debut novel, the authors writing shows promise as we are left with a great cliffhanger from the last few chapters. The ending really saved this book for me as it has created an exciting beginning to the hinted sequel.
Rating: 3 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Well this book took me a little bit by surprise. The genre of cyberpunk is completely new to me and not one I have heard of before. I am not the biggest reader of dystopian and sci-fi so I went into this book expecting it to be a slow read and possibly a DNF for me.
This premise of the story is what kept my interest initially. Thirty two women are thrust into the arena to fight to the death, until one of them emerges victorious and becomes the last Valkyrie. The book gave me massive Hunger Games vibes but with a lot of explicit violence and brutally grotesque scenes. I found reading these scenes quite unsettling, especially with the little remorse or guilt reflected back in the main protagonist, making them very cold and somewhat unredeemable. The little emotion she did show was snuffed out very quickly, leaving little growth and development of her character.
I also found that there were scenes that didn’t have much relevance to the plot. They seemed important at the time but by the end of the book nothing really happened to explain why they occurred. This could have been filled instead with more immersive world building, character relationships and maybe more strategic fighting. As much as the blood and gore boarded on to much, I felt that they warranted more ‘screen time’ as the author clearly has a talent for battle scenes. Although there appears to be a vast cast of characters in this book, we see little of them and I found their relationships with Nova could have been developed upon and really created a different view of Nova altogether.
Despite how I felt about this book, you can see that as a first debut novel, the authors writing shows promise as we are left with a great cliffhanger from the last few chapters. The ending really saved this book for me as it has created an exciting beginning to the hinted sequel.
Rating: 3 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
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