Intriguing characters, slow story progression
From an abusive childhood so traumatic that she no longer speaks to being rescued by Havoc, Kodiak, Hush, and Nix cloaked as a sale to the highest bidder, this was story of Wren's emotional healing journey with the help of four heroes.
I found this story sorrowful, eliciting feeling for the turmoil and tragedy not just for Wren, but also her heroes. There was also a uniqueness to the characters; even a voiceless Wren was expressive and strong; and each of the heroes, distinctive. Kodiak, broody, grumpy; Hush, quiet, brawny and protective; Nix, nerdy and carefree introvert; and Havoc, spirited, fun, thoughtful. And they were not just physically diverse but ethnically as well. Character development was strong, and story intrigue was high. I liked the subtle sexual attraction undercurrent that I could feel growing.
This story contained dark themes, but was not dark to me or particularly spicy.
What drew me away from the story was a little too introspective as to lose the arc of the plot. Nothing really happened, and so story progression faltered. Also, while I liked Havoc's levity against some of the seriousness, I also felt he was painted as a stereotype that put his personality and style into mockery, almost as if his abusive childhood made him into the flamboyance he was rather than simple nature.
Overall, a cerebral, slow burn read.