Compelling ideas and setting, frustratingly propelled by silly, video-game-inspired obstacles.

From chapter 2 on, I was hooked! The ending probably sealed the 5 star for me!

I can’t say enough good things about this book. I’ve been struggling to find something to follow this book up with because it was just that good of a read. Finished it within a couple days. The story line is compelling, characters are well-developed, and the world-building is phenomenal. I can rarely find a book that I don’t see the plot twists coming from a mile away, but this book managed to surprise me. I can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out!

Fantastic sci-fi the way it should be! It is truly inventive and highly intense like the hunger games in Ancient Rome on steroids and even better. So upset with the ending as it was clearly not over… and the next book hasn’t been released yet - I hate that! Hurry up!

What an absolutely amazing book, with such a profound story. I am so thankful for your commitment to your fans, this book was such a treat. I implore anyone and everyone to read this book!

After slogging through my last five books that were mediocre to bad, this book was the breath of fresh air I needed. I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend and can’t wait for the next one!

I haven’t read much in a long while and this book jolted me out of that slump. I think fans of Sanderson would love this book. The prose is swift, intelligent, and easy to follow; the main character is relateable and, despite his flaws, easy to root for; and the plot is intriguing enough to keep you turning the page (I devoured this book in less than 48 hours). My only regret is reading this and not having the sequel to immediately dive into.

I need the next book so badly that I would be afraid of the money I’d spend to get it early

Unstoppable protagonist and stupid lore

If you’re a fan of Brandon Sanderson or Patrick Rothfuss, you will probably like this book. I went in highly skeptical as I DON’T love Sanderson, but found myself absorbed in a way I’ve not experienced outside of my all time favorites. This is a ~700 page book (1060+ on an iPhone) and I ripped through it in 24 hours. The pacing is masterful, the characters are deep, and the world building is novel. This is the best fantasy book I’ve read in the last decade and it’s not close.