Matcha & Motifs’ Rating: 4.5/5 

A significant sickness left the Kingdom of Ilya devastated and with a gift: survivors were given abilities from heightened senses to extraordinary powers, and they are known as Elites. Decades later, the annual Purging Trials are beginning, a series of deadly games to display the Elite’s skills and a celebration of eliminating those who are Ordinary. Paedyn Gray, an Ordinary, lives right under their noses and is selected to join. 

***INCLUDES SPOILERS!!!***

I read this book in two days, and I am so obsessed. I’ve been craving a book like this since forever. 

Plot 

A common theme among fantasy plots is overcoming a corrupted kingdom, and this one might be corruption at its simplest. In a kingdom bestowed with extraordinary powers, instead of being thankful, they decide to banish and exterminate those without it to preserve their bloodlines. People will do anything for power. 

After many years of thieving and surviving in the slums, Paedyn not only steals from the King’s Enforcer, but also saves his life. With her name on the people’s lips, she finds herself enrolled in the trials. The plot is straightforward yet entertaining, combining Hunger Games trials-esque books and the fantasy concept of dismantling an indoctrinated kingdom. Paedyn must survive these deadly trials and make it out all while under the masquerade of being an Elite. The stakes are high, and she still finds a way to make a difference amid the games. What a protagonist.  

Notes on the trials:

Okay, I’m going to sound like a major hypocrite because I said that too much plot armor ruins things, well, killing lovely characters also ruins things. I am so relieved that Jax survived the games. I felt like I was holding my breath when he was dying. He is such a sweet, easygoing ray of sunshine; killing him would’ve been cruel. And on the same note, as evil, twisted fate would have it, it only makes sense that our main character choosing to spare Blair means that Blair gets to come back and kill her best friend—all of them, pawns on a board that the king set up. 

There are so many moving pieces that all click together, and stack against our protagonist. It feels like she moves one step forward and three steps back, yet she keeps fighting. It’s admirable. 

Characters

I love our main characters, Paedyn and Kai. Their characters feel deep and multifaceted. Paedyn is cunning, honest, and a revolutionist. Our first impression is that she is a thief, stealing a chance at life in a kingdom that wants her dead. This formidable defiance is commendable because her motives are relatable, wishing to exist in a world where Elites and Ordinaries can live together peacefully.

Kai is artfully deceitful, flirty, and compassionate. He wears many masks, and we learn why as we uncover his story. 

Paedyn is a character that stays true to herself and shares her honest opinion, but not carelessly. She is sympathetic and understanding, not letting the princes and Elites take advantage of or change her. In her crafty and rebellious way, she fights for her vision of a better world. Paedyn feels almost cutthroat, doing what she needs to do to survive in Ilya, even if that means deceiving others. She battles with doing the wrong things for the right reasons, like using Kitt to find those tunnels. Or having to brutally fight her competition and defend herself no matter what. I like seeing this internal struggle because it shows us she’s human and cares, no matter how ruthlessly she can be. She’s a protagonist worth rooting for.  

The more romances I read, the more I realize that when characters have similar backgrounds, there is a deeper sense of understanding between them and, in turn, a better foundation. Paedyn and Kai’s relationship works so well because they are in circumstances that are not their own choosing. They were born into roles that the world designed, and those roles are conveniently pitted against each other. In a way, they are the same, just on opposite sides. It’s really fun to read through their trials with the growing attraction and tension between them. 

Romance

The plot progression was good, but the number one selling point, the thing that makes me 1000% happy to have read it, and to be reading it, is the romance. 

IT IS THE ROMANCE. 

The plot’s support of the romance is utterly perfect. It sets up the perfect scenes, and Roberts does an incredible job of making the most of every single opportunity.  

This romance feels unmatched. Not to be dramatic, but love does exist! The hopeless romantic in me feels seen, heard, and kissed on the forehead. I am in love with our characters, and even more in love with their interactions. This book just does it for me. There are so many sweet moments that my heart feels so full. Don’t get me wrong; there’s definitely angst, competition, and jealousy, but there are actual interactions. It’s probably one of the best kekeing, feet kicking, giddy romance books ever. It’s full of all the cute shit and it keeps going. 

I would definitely say this book is romance first and fantasy second, but both are necessary to weave a good story. Read this book if you’re looking for romantic escapism. The plot sets up this love story to be utterly sigh-worthy. 

A grand mention for the writing in this book!!! 

Some parts of the book can be read as a bit corny and cringey, but I don’t care. It may be cringey, but it is free. It honestly feels like such a guilty pleasure read.

Now that we have that critique out of the way, I know a poet when I see one. Lauren Roberts has this beautiful writing style where she lyrically blends prose and poetry. Its novel descriptions make me want to write it down in my diary. It makes me jealous that I didn’t come up with it first. Behold: 

“I’d never thought about what my favorite color was before. It never seemed important.
Not until I looked into a pair of ocean blue eyes and realized that perhaps drowning was a beautiful thing.
Not until I looked into a pair of fiery blue eyes and realized that perhaps burning was a painless thing.
Not until I looked into a pair of sky blue eyes and realized that perhaps falling was a peaceful thing.
I’d never thought about what my favorite color was before because I hadn’t seen one that was worthy of the title. Until now, that is.
“Blue,” I say, my voice low.”

Honestly, I can die happy.