"Oh, what a complicated web we weave, when first we practice to deceive"
This book is a revelation! like a pendulum the linearity, morality and epicenter shifts, sweeping the reader away in its undertow. The epicurious flight into self realization, the drive to assimilate the kernel of truth nested in the web of lies and the ability to live past death. each of these topics is explored like a prized collection of stamps, marking the journey of a soul through this world...
Marie Lu weaves masterfully, Rose Lin is a harbinger for Death, having traded her soul for the life of her friend. In order to rise to Regent of Death, she is tested by Etienne, the Regent of Lies, and needs to break his illusions in order to pass his tests. Add in a supernatural disruption in the form of wraiths attacking other Regents, you have a wholesome mystery to hang a tale of Gods and their sworn mortals....
You learn to love Rose Lin as a passive protagonist, she catalogues and filters emotions by the application of facts and science to ground herself - her drive or ambition is not built on power but understanding and this thirst for her place, her sense of belonging are what tide the chapters. The proverbial twist in the tale is absolutely exquisite and is reminiscent of a knife sheathed in silk, skittering over an old wound, shallow and dripping ruby red drops on a gossamer carpet of green earth, a blessing of Death, wrapped in the chains of Love and clinging yet to life...
This is book is best enjoyed slow read but the true connoisseur enjoys the journey as much as the destination, so full 5 stars from me!
My eternal thank yous to Macmillian Children's Publishing Group and Netgalley for providing the ARC. My curtsies to Marie Lu for executing this in such spectacular panache!
#MortalThings #OctoberReads #GodsvsHumans #Slowburn
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