Book: Hellbound by Ava Do
Reviewed by Nacole
Rating: 5/5
I was so incredibly lucky to be selected as an ARC recipient, and what a treat it has been! Reading the first iteration was amazing, but then getting to read a new & improved version of the ARC made the most emotional bits absolutely heart-wrenching and added so much depth to the story, along with making me feel much more invested in and connected with the characters themselves.
Now, I haven't read the Mindf*ck series, so I can't speak to any similarity there. However, when the competition/trials begin in this story, it is easy to see where the comparison to Throne of Glass comes from. Not only that, but Ksenia does remind me a bit of Celaena in some ways!
I honestly love that our girl isn't already some super strong, never-been-bested assassin type, and that she is forced to go on a bit of a learning curve to have even the slightest chance of meeting her goals. This book takes hidden identity to a whole new level, and the reveal at the end!? Oh, the emotional turmoil was just lovely. The world building is very well done (I love the addition of the maps in any book as I am a very visual person), the magic system is so unique, and I am excited to see the extent of the gods' abilities (both to influence people and the world itself).
Overall, I absolutely adored this book. We support both women's rights and women's wrongs in this one. So incredibly excited for book two and all it will bring!