This book is very well written, the magic system (high and low magick) is intriguing and fully formed. Each family is distinct and their champion expertly crafted. Alistair Lowe comes from the reigning house, the most cunning and deadly of the families (willing to do anything to retain power, but is Alistair the same?). Isobel Macaslan, first champion to be revealed to the world, is a reluctant champion who previously wanted nothing to do with her grave robbing family (even if she is super powerful). Gavin Grieve, of the family that has yet to win the tournament, has very little magick to his name, but a determination not to lose (willing to try anything to get ahead). Briony Thornburn, raised to be a champion, is eeked out of the tournament by her younger sister, due to Government interference. However, Briony suspects there may be a way to destroy the tournament and save everyone tasked with being champion this generation. Finley Blair, the popular jock, is willing to team up in order to remove the Lowe's as reigning champions. Carbry Darrow is the youngest champion, but he knows the most about the history of the tournament. Finally, Elionor Payne, who is trying her hardest to prove her worth. This book was a roller coaster ride of emotions and you are treated to the thoughts of four of the main champions. This made for a dynamic plot and great character development. As each champion must grapple with family obligation, ideals for how to use high magick if they win, finding a magical sponsor to provide them with spells and curses, politics between families, and their own possibly demise. Some have more weight on their shoulders, knowing they have little chance of surviving, while others feel guilt knowing they will kill to survive. A very dark, but intriguing, look at morality and the implications of following a path that has been trodden for generations or breaking free from the path and looking for your own means of escape. This is a book about a curse, but also about hope and redemption for those caught in a terrible situation. This book is about familial duty, our need to prove our worth, our desire for power, but also for life. It is a look at children who must trust each other in the midst of a high strung tournament in which they are meant to kill each other, without interference from any outside forces. It asks whether someone is willing to cross a line that could mean the end of the life they are accustomed to, and how much you might be willing to sacrifice yourself for the greater good (even if it means losing the respect of your family). This book was captivating and all of the characters were hard not to like in some way. Sure, they had elements of evil in them, bred into them by families who desire power above even their children. But, there is also a softness to them, a need in them to be loved and a hope that they can survive the tournament long enough to matter. I cannot wait to listen to book 2, All of Our Demise.
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