tear out my heart why don’t you. 


Okay here’s the real one:
Thank you to Harper Collins for the digital arc in exchange for my honest review!

Yet again Ava Reid has crafted such a complex and well crafted story. This dystopian enemies to lovers definitely filled me with a sense of nostalgia for the early dystopian titles (Hunger Games, etc). In a world run by a singular corporation, when a debt reaches its maximum, a “lamb” can be put up for the Gauntlet in exchange for the exoneration of the debt. They are led to slaughter by the Angels, beautifully & perfectly crafted assassins (à la blade runner, ghost in the shell, terminator type cyborg - human). 

In addition to weaving an emotionally charged story, it had clear parallels to current society and can be considered a cautionary tale of what could happen if capitalism continues unchecked and the what happens with the dehumanization of peoples trauma through voyeurism and societal expectations. 

I felt the story was strongest in its commentary of those things as well as Ava’s ability to make the story feel like a real possibility (with the inclusion of current pop culture - streamers, etc). The world-building in this was thorough and not overwhelming. 

I did struggled with the love between Mel & Inesa because it essentially started with “love/attraction” at first sight…and it didn’t sit as right with me given the rest of the story. However, I still very much believed them as a couple despite my hang-ups. Overall, I  felt more connected to her relationship with her brother - but that probably has to do with me being an older sister to a brother. That being said, thinking those things about M & I’s relationship did not stop the tears from flowing at the end. WHAT WAS THAT ENDING AVA!? *minor spoilers*

I know what it was, you gave us hope and sometimes that’s the best and the worst thing to give.

Another stunner and I can’t wait to read even more Ava books!