Lapidius by Matthew Runals
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Is this story an allegory? A nation that has seen various wars over several decades. Starving families that are desperate to save their children. A military school stands in the gap, offering hope. Students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds learn to find their inner strength. Well, not learn to find, so much as they are taught to find this resilience
Lapidius by Matthew Runals
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What an exciting fantasy book. A military school in a fantasy realm really is a new one that I’ve come across. A group of boys that grew up together were sent by their parents for survival because resources were slim. There is where the adventure started. This is a pretty fast-paced adventure that will take you for a ride and take you on a gamut of emotions. You’ll feel like you’ve been on a roller coaster ride. A new author and a new type of read leaves me hoping that he’ll write some more and bring some more entertainment to this genre. I enjoyed this story a lot.
Lapidius by Matthew Runals
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
his is my first book by this author in which I enjoyed reading from beginning to end. This is a young adult story about Joey and his mom. There is not much work for his mom so she sends Joey away to Lipidius. It is a mystical, fantasy place that is full of magic and monsters. This is a nation where the students find that they have something to fight for. What happens with Joey is something you don’t want to miss. He is a great character that any young adult will enjoy reading about and the adventure he takes you on is not one you will soon forget. I enjoyed watching the growth of the characters throughout the story that made it easy and entertaining to read. This is a fast paced story that is engaging and hard to put down. I look forward to seeing what is next for this author. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
•*• BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE •°••*•
Like the characters in his books, Matt Runals believes that individual freedom is a necessary part of working together. An early entrepreneur, he owned a paintball business as a teenager and competed in paintball semi-professionally. He attended Longwood University getting a degree in History and a Master’s of Divinity from Regent University. Later he worked at Liberty University, where he served as assistant coach and chaplain for Liberty’s paintball team and worked as a code of conduct officer and a class 3 civil rights Title IX investigator with the Dean of Students. After college, he spent fifteen years as a youth minister, mentor, and counselor, focusing on the wellbeing of trauma victims and the spiritual development of teens. Feeling called to serve in the Army he joined as a chaplain, a position he’s held for eight years. The work Runals has done in mentoring, counseling, and guiding those in need has reinforced his strong belief in community involvement and volunteering. In 2019, Matthew’s leadership was recognized when he was nominated for the General Douglas Leadership Award. Runals currently lives in Texas with his wife Dana, whom he met while playing Ultimate Frisbee, and their three children. He hopes that his work with the Army and the heart he puts into his writing will help more people see the promise and possibility in our American heritage.
Soul Sacrifice by Courtney Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ebony lives in a world where the government pretty much dictates everything. She lives off the rations the government provides and what she can get by with from working. Ebony is what is called a half soul and she has the opportunity to become whole if she can find the person with the other half. The catch is that she would have to fight for that other half and only one can live. When she finds out she has cancer she decides to sacrifice herself so that whoever has the other half of her soul may live a full life. She hires Lark who is a searcher and can help bring the two halves together. There is a spark between them but it should be impossible since Ebony only has half a soul. Will she still be willing to give up her life now that she has possibly found her soulmate? This is genre that I have recently started to dabble in here and there. It was a little confusing in some parts while piecing things together but it eventually all came together and was then easy to understand. I hope to get some time to read more from this author.
Soul Sacrifice by Courtney Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I didn’t know what to expect with this book but I was pleasantly surprised. It draws you in and keeps you guessing until the very end. The tension between the two main characters is palpable but it’s great to watch them develop a relationship and began to trust each other. You will definitely not be disappointed in this one. It has a perfect blend of reality, action, and romance.
Soul Sacrifice by Courtney Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have read a couple of other books by this author that I absolutely fell in love with, so I knew I was picking this one up as soon as I came across it. They are one of the few authors that I don’t even hesitate on because their ability to expertly craft an intriguing, captivating story is absolutely astounding! I dove into this book without thinking and ended up devouring it in one day and ignoring a whole lot of chores and responsibilities. There is no lull, no stopping point, so I hope you have a few hours set aside for reading the entire thing at once! Ebony is a halfsoul who hires Lark, a searcher, to find her soulsister. It sounds endearing, but in this realm, halfsouls battle to the death where the winner becomes a full soul. I always love when a story is told from multiple points of view as it allows me to get a feel for each character a little better. Even if this doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, I highly recommend picking it up because it is one of the most engrossing reads I have come across this year. I can’t wait to see what this author has in store for us next as I am eagerly awaiting!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Soul Sacrifice by Courtney Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Let me start by saying that I normally do not like the dystopian genre. Most of the time it is the same thing with just a little bit of difference to call it something else. I tend to stay away from it because of this. I have read a couple of other books from this author and decided to give this book a try regardless of the genre. I am happy I did. This book is like no other dystopian book I have read before and I am all for it. The premise is so different from anything I have ever read. I was hooked from page one.
Ebony is a half soul who is dying of cancer in a world where halflings are treated poorly just because they are missing part of their soul. There are rules and regulations set in place to try to prevent more halflings and the rumoured nosouls. One of the rules being you can only procreate with your soulmate. You need to both be fullsouls to give your child a chance. Ebony wants to find her soul sibling and sacrifice herself to give this woman a chance at a good life but when she meets Lark, she starts questioning everything.
Lark makes his living finding the soul siblings of halflings so they have a chance of becoming whole. Growing up a halfling orphan, he has a soft spot for the lesser beings. When Ebony walks in and wants to hire Lark to find her soul sibling, he discovers that they are soulmates which should be impossible to determine since she only has half of her soul. Lark will stop at nothing to find Ebony’s soul sibling to give him a chance of a life he gave up on. One with his soulmate.
They embark on the journey together, both with the same mission but with totally different outcomes set in mind.
Soul Sacrifice by Courtney Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am a big fan of dystopian stories and on top of that a romance novel, I definitely wanted to give this read a try! In this alternate world, souls are what holds value to its individuals in their society. Those with full souls are prosperous in quality of life and riches with limitless possibilities. There are also halfings that possess half a soul and are very limited in opportunity to personally thrive and survive as well as not having a full soul in finding a mate nor conceiving their own offspring. Those without a soul are known to be pale, sharp teeth and vacant eyes. Story centers on Lark, who is a full soul searcher who helps halflings to soul battle in pursuit of becoming full souls and Ebony, a halfling who is trying to keep up with her own demeaning life. When a spark occurs between Lark and Ebony, they start building a connection in which they didn’t think was possible then other circumstances provide their connection even deeper than what they thought. There is so much action throughout the novel. Details can be confusing as you begin to piece parts together of their world but it is worth reading through.
Soul Sacrifice by Courtney Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh my now here’s a story to keep you up at night. The government controls everything….including your soul is now an asset.
The gods have cursed earth and now humans exist with half souls or worse no souls in a caste system the government controls. If they want a full soul they have to find their other soul half, however its possible they havent or wont ever even be born in their lifetime.
They are in caste tiers with chips implanted at birth and it controls everything about them and allows the government knowledge of everything everyone does and where they are. What’s worse even if you have rations (or cash still accepted) businesses can kick you out based on where you are ranked in a very corrupt system.
We meet Ebony who never wanted to find her soul mate, she only wanted her soul sister especially on her first meeting of a soul hunter Lark only seems to cement she doesnt want her soulhalf, but Lark cant shake Ebony and reconsiders helping her and the search for her soulhalf opens up so many questions, danger and corruption neither never knew existed, and I won’t ruin it for you but the question of the bond between soul mates being enough to overcome all is the leading question you’ll stay up reading wanting to answer.
This story is multi pov and is extremely well done dystopian story that has characters so well written you immediately fall in love with them and never want to leave the story. This is a can’t miss!!!
Soul Sacrifice by Courtney Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Soul Sacrifice is an absolutely delectable dystopian romance by Courtney Davis. I loved this book, as it was a truly unique premise that will absolutely hook you right in. Once you start reading this it really is difficult to put down. I read this book in just 2 days, absolutely absorbed in Lark and Ebony’s journey. This book is perfectly paced, and keeps you guessing at every turn. While this is definitely an 18+ read, i absolutely recommend it! I can’t wait to see what else Courtney has in store, loved this author!
Soul Sacrifice by Courtney Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The gods cursed humanity: you’re born with half a soul or no soul. To gain the other half, you must find your soul sister/brother and fight to the death. Dying, Ebony hires Lark, a searcher, to find her soul sister so she can sacrifice herself so that her soul sister can live with a full soul and have a better life. What she wasn’t counting on was finding her soulmate. Now she has the difficult decision to either give up her life or fight for the other half of her soul so she can have the strength to heal herself and live a wonderful life with her soul mate.
It was an interesting concept where the more soul you have the higher your status is to the government and society. Half souls are basically poor, and no souls are the scum of the world. You either stay a halfling and endure the hardships of trying to survive on half rations from the government and what little pay you make from working or you find your soul sister/brother and fight to the death and have better paying jobs, full rations, finding your soulmate and starting a family.
The story flows well and keeps you interested. I enjoyed the characters and their relationships evolving into something more than just business. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book.
“Soul Sacrifice” is a gripping dystopian tale that explores the themes of survival, morality, and love in a world where the concept of a soul is more than just a spiritual idea—it’s a tangible asset, controlled and manipulated by the government. This novel takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster, blending intense action with deep philosophical questions about what it means to be truly whole.
The story centers around Ebony, a halfsoul struggling to survive in a society that rations everything from food to basic rights based on the completeness of one’s soul. As a halfsoul, Ebony receives only half rations from the government, a cruel reminder of her incomplete status. Despite her hardships, Ebony possesses a moral compass that keeps her from succumbing to the desperation that plagues many halfsouls. She knows that killing the woman who holds the other half of her soul would grant her full rations, a better life, and even the ability to experience intimacy, but she refuses to become a murderer.
However, when Ebony is diagnosed with terminal cancer, her perspective shifts. Determined to ensure that at least one of them gets to live a full life, she makes the selfless decision to sacrifice herself for her soulsister. This decision sets her on a path to find the woman she has sworn never to harm. Ebony’s journey is both literal and figurative, forcing her to confront her fears, her desires, and the harsh realities of a world that sees people as commodities.
Enter Lark, a searcher whose job is to locate the other halves of halfsouls, facilitating their often-violent soulbattles. When Ebony hires Lark to find her soulsister, sparks fly between them. Lark is more than just a guide; he becomes a beacon of hope for Ebony, showing her the beauty in life that she has been missing. The chemistry between Ebony and Lark is palpable, adding a layer of romance that is as poignant as it is complex. How can Ebony, who is not whole herself, fall in love? And how can she contemplate dying for someone else when she has finally found a reason to live?
“Soul Sacrifice” masterfully blends elements of romance, suspense, and speculative fiction. The author creates a dystopian world that feels eerily plausible, with a government that exerts control over its citizens’ most intimate selves. The concept of halfsouls and the brutal reality of soulbattles are both intriguing and chilling, serving as a powerful metaphor for the struggles faced by marginalized individuals in any society. The plot is driven by deception, control, and a race against time, with twists that keep readers on their toes and a narrative that challenges the very nature of humanity.
One of the novel’s strongest aspects is its character development. Ebony is a compelling protagonist, defined not just by her struggles but by her resilience and capacity for love. Her internal conflict, torn between self-preservation and altruism, is both relatable and heart-wrenching. Lark, too, is a well-rounded character, offering a glimpse into the complexity of those who navigate the morally grey areas of this dystopian world. Their relationship, though unexpected, feels natural and adds depth to the story, showing that even in a world devoid of hope, love can still bloom.
As Ebony uncovers more about the true nature of the soul curse, “Soul Sacrifice” shifts from being a personal journey to a broader critique of societal control and the manipulation of truths. The revelations about the gods and the government’s role in the halfsoul system raise important questions about power, freedom, and the cost of a soul.
In conclusion, “Soul Sacrifice” is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged novel that will captivate readers from the first page to the last. It is a story of sacrifice and redemption, of love found in the unlikeliest of places, and of the unbreakable human spirit. For fans of dystopian fiction, complex moral dilemmas, and heartwarming romance, “Soul Sacrifice” is a must-read.
Soul Sacrifice by Courtney Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Being a halfing is hard. You don’t have a full soul. Your poor. In order to get your full soul you have to kill your soul sibling. This is a very interesting and unique book. I recommend you to read.
Soul Sacrifice by Courtney Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Soul Mate, Soul Sister and Alpha Males. Great combination to keep me hooked.
A story about a controlling government, food rations, separate communities, god curses and various hardships under a cast-like system. A different world with different rules and of course there is always a villain.
Ebony Landry initially did not want her soul mate but her soul sister. Once she met Lark, a Soul Hunter, she starts realizes there can be another possibility for her. Through his eyes, she slowly starts to see herself. She is worthy of love. Will love be enough to help her with the difficulties to come? I can’t spoil it for anyone! This book kept me hooked on the danger and travels from LA – Vegas – DC and finally Texas. The characters are unique and a great read.
What a fantastic book! This rating is more like a 4.7. I can not wait for the next one. This is the first time reading this author and will not be the last. This book takes us from a normal life to it being taken completely away in the blink of an eye. An earthquake opens up another world of aliens and other unworldly beasts. Life as Selene and Rayden is forever changed. We then get Sirius, and I can’t wait to read about him and his world. Fantastic read!
Soul Sacrifice by Courtney Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If you’re looking for a book that will consume your every waking thought, then look no further! The synopsis barely scratches the surface of what this book has to offer. The author has crafted a truly immersive experience with characters that leap off the page and a plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I couldn’t recommend this book more highly – it’s a true masterpiece that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
Soul Sacrifice by Courtney Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Soul Sacrifice by Courtney Davis is yet another example of why she is one of my favourite authors. I can’t believe more people haven’t heard about her books- because she really knows how to weave a fantastic tale. I have read most of her books now and just adore her work- she really is an amazing storyteller who produces fresh, original, and creative stories that fire my imagination and leave me wanting to stay in the ‘worlds’ and stories she creates. I have definitely developed an addiction to her work…
This a captivating urban fantasy with a dystopian setting/dystopian society, caste-like system, romance, very original premise, soul mates, agendas, danger, drama, high stakes, action, adventure, tension, intrigue, chemistry, suspense, a quest, gods, a soul curse, self-discovery, emotion, secrets/deception, betrayal, a race against time, politics/government conspiracy & control, the haves and have nots, and much more.
The world has been cursed by the gods. A society of Fullsouls, Halfsouls, and Nosouls- where Halfsouls not only need to find their soul fragment, but then battle it out for the chance of a Fullsoul life. Oh yeah- sign me up. I’m in. Ms. Davis had me completely captivated by the synopsis before I had even read one word.
Ebony is a Halfsoul who desperately needs to find the other part of her soul. But in the society she lives in, she practically has no rights, and will need some ‘expert’ help to track her soul-half down…. time is running out. The most successful searcher is Lark Duport and his team, and so Ebony seeks them out hoping they can help. But their initial ‘meeting’ doesn’t go so well, so it looks like she’s on her own in the search for her Halfsoul. But Lark has a change of heart and they are soon thrust into a dangerous adventure that neither could have really predicted. Things are not quite what they seem – and what they uncover has far reaching implications. What happens makes for a fascinating read. This is one adventure you won’t want to miss.
The story is told from multiple POVs, which gave me a deeper perspective of what was going on. I really would love to read more from this ‘world’, and characters, and find out what happens now that the ‘team’ have a better grasp of what happened/going on.
Highly recommended!!!
Can’t wait to see what Ms. Davis has in store for us next!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Courtney Davis!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
The Veil by Karli Rush
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Selene Marley is a woman who owns a small shop in the town of Everton, near the Ozarks where she has a comfortable life and a partner in crime, Rayden Hendrix, the shop has some regular customers who peruse her natural herbal remedies and organic food. She has her future planned out with Rayden and it is everything she could want, security, love and happiness and maybe even a wedding, not to mention good friends and beautiful scenery.
One day, all that changes when a pearlescent veil splits the town into two causing earthquakes and destroying the homes and businesses in their street, but the most terrifying thing is when everyone is separated. All the women are grouped together and the men all disappear, never mind where the children have gone and so when Selene starts to become accustomed to the new life she is having to make, she discovers her resilience.
As the days pass and Selene learns more about the ones around her, she comes across hints of a world not unlike hers, but more progressive and with different flora, fauna and traditions, but just when she has lost hope of seeing Rayden again, he reappeared in a sorry state, beaten and bruised, but they are still grateful to find each other again.
As the ramifications of the veils appearance and their new lives sink in, can Selene and Rayden navigate this new existence while also keeping their sanity in tact? This is a sci-fi adventure where worlds collide and lives intertwine to create a present fraught with danger, in this emotional rollercoaster.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
The Veil by Karli Rush
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I haven’t been this excited about a new series in quite a long time! This is the first book in The Veil Realms series and the first I had read by this author. The cover is gorgeous and made me start reading before I even knew what it was about. Once I opened this book, I was transported to a hauntingly dystopian world where an earthquake devastates our main character’s hometown. Selene is, in a word, legendary. She is independent, tough, and overall, an admirable individual. The amount of time spent developing these characters is obvious as they certainly seem as real as the person sitting right next to me. The flow of the story is quick but still unfolds naturally without any choppiness to distract. I will be (impatiently) waiting for the second book in this series because I absolutely need more of this author’s writing!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
The Veil by Karli Rush
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book starts out with a sweet scene between Selene and her fiancé Rayden but quickly turns to all chaos. This book keeps your attention from the very beginning with so many twists and turns you might find yourself with whiplash but in a good way. The author makes you feel like you are right there with them. You will not be disappointed with this one of a kind book.
The Veil by Karli Rush
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book on The Veil Series. This is a dystopian fantasy adventure which had me hooked from the beginning. The author has done a great job of creating a unique story and the way the author tells the story and builds the worlds really brings it to life. I love the main character Selene. She is a very strong, determined character who is set on surviving this strange realm she now finds herself in. Her journey isn’t an easy one. It is a fast paced dangerous journey as she has to battle time and again for her survival. Even when she thinks she can’t go on anymore she always finds the strength from somewhere.
When a cataclysmic earthquake hits Selene’s small town she finds herself transported to another place with beings that aren’t human. Now she is in a constant battle for survival against creatures she doesn’t know about and a world where reality as she knows it no longer exists.
This is a story about overcoming adversity, striving to survive, and learning to function in a place that makes no sense at all. It is also a journey of discover for Selene, not only discover of the people and the place she now finds herself in but also a discovery of herself and finding out just how strong and resilient she can be when she has to be.
I look forward to reading more in this series.
This is the first time reading this author so I am excited to find out more about this storyline. So in this story, Selene has been focused on walking down the aisle with her finance, Rayden. Unfortunately, the days here on Earth have been shortened by the unknown life from another planet. They have come to take over the little town. There are dangers around every turn and no one really knows what will happen next. Read to find out what happens to the town, the people and Selene and Rayden as they try to figure out where they go from this once happy, serene place and now its very scary and vicious city.
The Veil by Karli Rush
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first time reading this author so I am excited to find out more about this storyline. So in this story, Selene has been focused on walking down the aisle with her finance, Rayden. Unfortunately, the days here on Earth have been shortened by the unknown life from another planet. They have come to take over the little town. There are dangers around every turn and no one really knows what will happen next. Read to find out what happens to the town, the people and Selene and Rayden as they try to figure out where they go from this once happy, serene place and now its very scary and vicious city.
The Veil by Karli Rush
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’m a fan of dystopians so I picked this one up with earnest. This isn’t your typical dystopian! It starts off tame, then all hell breaks loose and it’s on like you wouldn’t believe. The world building is superbly done and I could feel like I was right there, and the story weaved itself in a way you never could really predict what would happen next. Selene, the heroine of the story, is a badass. It’s a highly active narrative, full of curveballs, twists and turns that will keep you guessing.
The Veil by Karli Rush
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Veil is the first phenomenal book from the Veil Realm series by Karli Rush. From the first page you can tell how unique this book is. A truly original and refreshing read that you can absolutely lose yourself for hours. This author is new to me, and I was thoroughly invested straight away, often finding it extremely difficult to put it down. This book really has a bit of everything, and I loved it. I am definitely looking forward to seeing where this series goes!
Soul Sacrifice by Courtney Davis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Soul Sacrifice had an incredibly interesting sounding premise. I mean living off souls, half souls, what? This romantic, dystopian tale starts with Ebony, who is trying to find her soul mate with the other half of her soul, so she hires Lark to find it. Definitely thought provoking when considering different worlds. The characters were well written, complex, and perfect for the storyline. Overall this was a good read.
The Veil by Karli Rush
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Veil by Karli Rush is a dystopian fantasy following an earthquake that alters everything. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Selene traverses the chaos that is now her hometown. Next a haziness seeps in, but it is not like a typical fog or like anything anyone has ever seen. The sinister Veil is a place of nightmares, menacing creatures and screams of agony lurk therein. Rayden, Selene’s boyfriend is entrapped on the other side. Will Selene be able to save him…will she even be able to save herself? This book is full of non-stop action, twists and turns, and danger at every corner. The characters are believable and I love that the focus is on a strong female heroine. The scenery and the world that is pictured is nothing like we have seen before, somewhere between Earth and Hell. I love the descriptive scenes that put you into the plot and make you feel for the characters as they traverse this unknown world. I would say this is a fun read for anyone that enjoys dystopian fantasy.
reviewed by @zoltrixes
View all my reviews
The Veil by Karli Rush
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My oh my. After more than two weeks of my best friend telling me I have got to read this book I finally got the chance to dive in. This is the first book I have read by Karli Rush and lordy it was a-mazing. I hate that it took me so long to get the chance to begin.
It all started with a quake, followed by a hunt and everything ran from there. It was just another day in a hard to find on a map town when Selene was gathering supplies for her shop and returning to work. A tremor made things fall then a quake that put a ravine down the middle of main street. When the hazy veil came in, she thought it would be sheer that her hand would go through it only to find it more like glass, a containment around half the town and her fiancé Rayden outside it watching. Screams, ghostly arrows, and a river of blood follow as she runs for her life. Suddenly the men are gone, the dead are gone and all that remains is running women and ghostly darts following them. The earth has rotated a hundred and eighty degrees opening to another dimension and the creatures that inhabit it.
Will Selene survive? Can she find her way back to Rayden? Has Sirius truly claimed her? From page one it had me hooked one moment it was five p.m. the next it was eleven thirty I couldn’t bring myself to put it down until I knew what happened and now, I sit and wait for book two. We need more. I need more.
The Veil by Karli Rush
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoy dystopian books and I really liked the cover if this book. I wasn’t really sure what I was getting into but I thought The Veil was a new take on dystopian stories. It was really interesting in my opinion. I also really liked Selene’s character. The writing took me some time to get used to. I felt like there were a lot of “extra” words and a bit chaotic. However, I would still recommend this book. I think it’s worth it and am looking forward to finding out what comes next.
The Veil by Karli Rush
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book seriously started out cute and calm, then all hell broke loose. Get ready for non stop trials and twists for the closeted badass main character, Selene. In the beginning, Selene is happy with her life and her man, Rayden. On a day that started out normal as usual, it quickly spun into something beyond chaotic. The world shook, she witnessed the immediate death of a coworker and lost contact with Rayden.
Quickly Selene realizes that she must make a run for safety and finds herself and another young lady having to hide from what they assume are Warrior type beings that are taking women hostage. She wonders why she has not seen any males taken.
You’ll find yourself emerged into the strangest circumstances that will give you creepy underground tunnels and bunker vibes with a twist. Combat training, underwater competitions, a disgusting choice for delicacies for sustenance and so much more.
The dystopian aspect of the world building reminded me a bit of Mad Max, maybe a bit of hunger games and the scary bits of every single horror book by the king of horror. You will be highly entertained, scared and a bit grossed out from page to page. I think all fans of this genre will find themselves staying up a bit late to finish up one more chapter as long as the lights stay on!
I give this 4 out of 5 stars.