Aimee

What a beautiful and awesome story! I was pulled in right away when I picked up this book. For the life of me, I couldn't put it down. It's been a long time since I've enjoyed a fantasy novel as much as I enjoyed this. I have a feeling this story is going to be epic.

Rae Carson did not pull any punches in this book. At all. I can't believe how much I held my breath and forced myself not to speed read just to find out what happens next! Besides being utterly amazing, it was also heartbreaking. I felt every emotion along side Elisa in this book. From fear, sadness, anger, jealousy, and happiness.

Elisa wasn't like every other heroine that I've read about in YA. She isn't some stick thing girl with self esteem issues. She's overweight with self esteem issues. There are a number of reasons why I liked this beginning for Elisa. We see her grow and change and it definitely plays a part. Elisa is not ordinary and her strength showed as she faced her fears and stood up for what she believed in.

When I finished this book, I had mixed reactions. I loved it! I need to get my hands on the second. The other reaction, was contemplation. I sat and thought about what I had just read. More than "OMG Best Book Ever!", but about the trials and suffering Elisa goes through in the book. While being in a fantasy world, it makes the novel feel true. This is definitely on my must watch series. I highly recommend that everyone adds this to their must need books. Brilliant.