I read this ebook in three days, which for me is pretty amazing (I usually forget to read ebooks or my eyes become easily tired from looking at my phone screen). But the moment I started this book I was hooked and could hardly put it down, and when I did I could not stop thinking about what would happen next. Also, there is a lot of humor! First, this book is like Percy Jackson on crack. Calling out all those books about kids finding ways into magical worlds. This book points out the realities of fantasy worlds, and how unrealistic it is for kids to actually find them habitable for the long run. Like really, would these kids going from a technologically advanced culture to one which is more inclined to Medieval living really choose to stay? It calls out books about magical worlds often resulting in the children who find them having to battle some form of evil. Right from the beginning these kids have been told they are being conscripted to battle. Throughout the novel we see the effects this has on children who stay, who inevitably must join this war, who can no longer go home but no longer wish to fight. Elliot is level headed and works hard to try to change this world through treaties, policies, and peace. He is a characters who goes against the "chosen one" trope of becoming a dominant fighter in order to change things. He uses his wits, his words, and his ability to annoy people into listening to him. He has extensive character growth within each new year, learning more and more about who he is, what he is willing to do for those he loves, and what he is not willing to sacrifice in the name of honor, duty, and power. Honestly, Elliot's story had me tearing up a few times. Just the way in which he is treated, the persona he puts on to avoid being hurt. His trust issues and self doubt. He hides himself in order to be better for others. He has never felt love and therefore tries too hard to find it, missing the love right in front of him. I absolutely adored him and he deserves the world. Luke was such an amazing character as well. The golden hero who seems keen on being the weirdos friend (Elliot). His obliviousness to the troubles with the Borderlands, his blind acceptance of war, his innate abilities and beauty. He is everything Elliot is not, his foil, and yet they cannot seem to hate each other. He is honest, innocent, and loyal. He loves both Serene and Elliot and would do anything to protect them, and he tries his hardest to understand Elliot and what he believes the Borderlands could be. Serene is also honest, and blunt, and is trying to change her views of human society, as she obviously grew up within an elven culture. Funnily enough, Elves are a matriarchal society (a mirror of our patriarchal society, but with female elves as the misogynists). Elliot continuously finds this fascinating, but also complicated as he tries to win her heart while also not seeming a "floozy" (since elven men are virginal before marriage). Just such an interesting twist, which creates problems for Elliot and Luke and the border guards trying to keep peace with the elves. Serene is a hardened warrior, who is also interested in Elliot's point of view in terms of peace talks. She is a true friend to both Elliot and Luke, and Luke's swordsister. Elliot is so lucky to have these two friends in his corner (even if he is trying to delude himself into believing Luke is only sticking around with him because of their truce). Both Serene and Luke steady Elliot's constant energy, they protect him from himself and those around him, they listen to him and push others to listen to him, they also teach him what it means to love and to be loved. The world building is also masterfully done, with many different creatures that Elliot is introduced to throughout his schooling. From harpies to mermaids, trolls to dwarves, he is constantly yearning to learn more, to build bridges, to create camaraderie. So, while he slowly finds friendship and love, the world also develops around him into one of peace. Highly recommend this novel!
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