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Crownchasers #2
Thronebreakers
Perfect for fans of Aurora Rising, The Hunger Games, and Three Dark Crowns, this electrifying duology closer is jam-packed with tension and thrills that will hook readers from its first page.
Alyssa Farshot never wanted to rule the empire. But to honor her uncle’s dying wish, she participated in the crownchase, a race across the empire’s 1,001 planets to find the royal seal and win the throne. Alyssa tried to help her friend, Coy, win the crownchase, but just as victory was within their grasp, Edgar Voles killed Coy—and claimed the seal for himself.
Broken-hearted over her friend’s death, Alyssa is hell-bent on revenge. But Edgar is well protected in the kingship. Alyssa will have to rally rivals, friends, and foes from across the empire to take him down and change the course of the galaxy.
Alyssa Farshot never wanted to rule the empire. But to honor her uncle’s dying wish, she participated in the crownchase, a race across the empire’s 1,001 planets to find the royal seal and win the throne. Alyssa tried to help her friend, Coy, win the crownchase, but just as victory was within their grasp, Edgar Voles killed Coy—and claimed the seal for himself.
Broken-hearted over her friend’s death, Alyssa is hell-bent on revenge. But Edgar is well protected in the kingship. Alyssa will have to rally rivals, friends, and foes from across the empire to take him down and change the course of the galaxy.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published October 12, 2021
About the author
Rebecca Coffindaffer
3 books259 followersRebecca Coffindaffer (they/she) grew up on Star Wars, Star Trek, fantastical movies and even more fantastical books. They waited a long time for their secret elemental powers to develop, and in the interim, they started writing stories about magic and politics, spaceships, far-off worlds, and people walking away from explosions in slow motion. These days they live in Kansas with their family, surrounded by a lot of books and a lot of tabletop games and a very spoiled dog. They're the author of the YA space opera duology Crownchasers and Thronebreakers, out now from HarperTeen.
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April 10, 2021There unfortunately won't be ARCs for
Thronebreakers
, but since we're about six months out, I still wanted to drop an author's note in here early with some content warnings and so forth.
Content warnings: alcohol use, blood/gore, death/loss/grief, murder, guilt and trauma, science fiction-related violence (i.e., blasters, spaceship battles, etc.)
This book is a little darker, a little bigger in terms of the politics and the stakes, a little more intense. You get to see more of the quadrant, meet a new character or two, and get to know some other characters better.
After what happened at the end of Crownchasers, Alyssa Farshot is like:
And Hell Monkey is dealing with this fallout like:
And everyone else is kinda:
And the plot is basically:
But, y'know...make it scifi.
I amterrifiedexcited for readers to get their hands on this book. I hope so much that you all enjoy the second half of this duology! Happy reading <3
Content warnings: alcohol use, blood/gore, death/loss/grief, murder, guilt and trauma, science fiction-related violence (i.e., blasters, spaceship battles, etc.)
This book is a little darker, a little bigger in terms of the politics and the stakes, a little more intense. You get to see more of the quadrant, meet a new character or two, and get to know some other characters better.
After what happened at the end of Crownchasers, Alyssa Farshot is like:
And Hell Monkey is dealing with this fallout like:
And everyone else is kinda:
And the plot is basically:
But, y'know...make it scifi.
I am
October 16, 2021
DEVASTATING. BEAUTIFUL. AMAZING. BRILLIANT.
BEST DUOLOGY EVER.
BEST DUOLOGY EVER.
October 11, 2021
After reading Rebecca Coffindaffer’s debut novel Crownchasers, I couldn’t wait to read its sequel, Thronebreakers. Then, I saw what Coffindaffer posted on Goodreads, and I knew I was in for another epic space adventure! Rife with danger, intrigue, epic space battles, and antagonists coming from every direction, Thronebreakers is a heart-pounding, brilliant conclusion to the Crownchasers duology!
Alyssa is such a fantastically developed character, and I love her growth over the course of the novel. After everything that happened in Crownchasers, Alyssa is emotionally devastated, and she deals with all of the grief and anger and helplessness. On top of the personal trauma, Alyssa also faces a chaotic and dangerous transition of power, and she seeks vengeance for what happened in Crownchasers. Alyssa sees that the current political system has flaws and doesn’t work for all, and she wants better. Alyssa has come a long way from the start of the story, yet she still maintains her compassion, strength, and humor.
The story delves into so many different types of relationships and shows how those relationships define and guide the characters. Alyssa’s relationship with her uncles, as well as her grief over the death of characters in the first book, very much fuel her in this story. You learn more about her life with her uncles, which totally made her the person she is in the story – fierce and brave and brilliant and so loved. Other relationships are as deftly developed and layered as this one, including a unique and lovely bond between one of the antagonists and his caretaker, which is pretty intriguing in itself. All of these connections highlight the positive impact of developing deep and lasting bonds with people you care for and how all relationships, good and bad, influence one’s life. They also reveal that relationships aren’t easy. New and old relationships are tested, and bonds break or are put into question. All of these relationships take work, communication, trust, and more, and Coffindaffer shows this in a multitude of ways.
Of course, my favorite relationship is the one between Alyssa and Hell Monkey. I love a good romance, and theirs is wonderful. It’s not the main focus of the novel, but it is so integral to the story. Alyssa and Hell Monkey have a deep bond, and their chemistry is fantastic. They are so well attuned – from the way they address each other depending on the situation and their feelings to the subtle (and not so subtle) ways they comfort and support each other, and I love how their relationship progresses. And Hell Monkey is the perfect counterpart to Alyssa. He understands her so well (and she him), and his patience, understanding, love, and perseverance really shines in this story.
Now, as much as I adored the characters, this is a sci-fi novel, and I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about the impressively immersive, vivid, and intricately developed universe Coffindaffer created. It’s fantastic and original, and well crafted. From topography to faith, culture, politics, mythology, and more, each new setting is as layered and unique as the one before. The imagery makes it so easy to picture the different worlds, settings, and ships described, and I was easily drawn into this amazing universe so unlike our own.
Though this takes place in a futuristic space setting, the messages and themes are universal and relatable. One that really stands out to me is the introspection about grief. Coffindaffer puts into words the myriad of ways people deal with and feel about grief, and I like that the book doesn’t shy away from the pain and trauma of loss. Alyssa has lost a lot, and she struggles with her grief, as do many other characters in the story. Yet, they all deal with their loss and pain differently. It’s hard and it’s ugly, and it changes a person, much like it changes Alyssa and her friends.
The story deals with some heavy topics, including grief, betrayal, the obsession for power, greed, and more, but there are some lighter, fun moments too. Several fun nods to other sci-fi shows and films, a hilarious and sarcastic AI, which is unexpected and delightful, and fantastic banter throughout the story bring a bit of levity and humor at times when it is most needed. There are so many twists and turns and revelations, and it is super intense and a bit dark at times. However, through it all, there are feelings of hope and determination, which makes for a nice balance.
I also love the inclusion of correspondence from Alyssa’s uncle. In it, we learn more about their universe and the political burdens he faced, and we also learn why he did certain things in his political and personal life. These scenes provide great context and show the reader how loved Alyssa was. It is a wonderful way to show a beautiful relationship with a fresh perspective. I also love that the story includes news headlines that recount what is happening across this vast universe. It really shows how skewed the media can be and how it is used to manipulate and persuade populations. There are many social and political messages like this throughout the story that completely resonate with our world and society.
There is also a ton of action and intrigue, and it is truly a race against time to stop Edgar Voles from becoming the leader. But holding Edgar accountable and revealing his role in the death of her beloved friend isn’t the only obstacle Alyssa must face. Religious zealots, corrupt politicians, manipulated media, and many other antagonists stand in her way. Her life is in constant danger, and with the ever-increasing governmental control, there is nowhere to hide. This is a universe on the crux of war, and Alyssa and her friends are desperate and determined to stop it. It sure is an intense, nail-biting, death-defying journey!
Thronebreakers is an exceptional conclusion to the Crownchasers duology! I‘m sad that it’s over, but I’m thrilled that I had the opportunity to read this brilliant story. It made me feel all the feels, and I’m so thankful to Rebecca Coffindaffer and Harper Teen for sending a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Alyssa is such a fantastically developed character, and I love her growth over the course of the novel. After everything that happened in Crownchasers, Alyssa is emotionally devastated, and she deals with all of the grief and anger and helplessness. On top of the personal trauma, Alyssa also faces a chaotic and dangerous transition of power, and she seeks vengeance for what happened in Crownchasers. Alyssa sees that the current political system has flaws and doesn’t work for all, and she wants better. Alyssa has come a long way from the start of the story, yet she still maintains her compassion, strength, and humor.
The story delves into so many different types of relationships and shows how those relationships define and guide the characters. Alyssa’s relationship with her uncles, as well as her grief over the death of characters in the first book, very much fuel her in this story. You learn more about her life with her uncles, which totally made her the person she is in the story – fierce and brave and brilliant and so loved. Other relationships are as deftly developed and layered as this one, including a unique and lovely bond between one of the antagonists and his caretaker, which is pretty intriguing in itself. All of these connections highlight the positive impact of developing deep and lasting bonds with people you care for and how all relationships, good and bad, influence one’s life. They also reveal that relationships aren’t easy. New and old relationships are tested, and bonds break or are put into question. All of these relationships take work, communication, trust, and more, and Coffindaffer shows this in a multitude of ways.
Of course, my favorite relationship is the one between Alyssa and Hell Monkey. I love a good romance, and theirs is wonderful. It’s not the main focus of the novel, but it is so integral to the story. Alyssa and Hell Monkey have a deep bond, and their chemistry is fantastic. They are so well attuned – from the way they address each other depending on the situation and their feelings to the subtle (and not so subtle) ways they comfort and support each other, and I love how their relationship progresses. And Hell Monkey is the perfect counterpart to Alyssa. He understands her so well (and she him), and his patience, understanding, love, and perseverance really shines in this story.
Now, as much as I adored the characters, this is a sci-fi novel, and I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about the impressively immersive, vivid, and intricately developed universe Coffindaffer created. It’s fantastic and original, and well crafted. From topography to faith, culture, politics, mythology, and more, each new setting is as layered and unique as the one before. The imagery makes it so easy to picture the different worlds, settings, and ships described, and I was easily drawn into this amazing universe so unlike our own.
Though this takes place in a futuristic space setting, the messages and themes are universal and relatable. One that really stands out to me is the introspection about grief. Coffindaffer puts into words the myriad of ways people deal with and feel about grief, and I like that the book doesn’t shy away from the pain and trauma of loss. Alyssa has lost a lot, and she struggles with her grief, as do many other characters in the story. Yet, they all deal with their loss and pain differently. It’s hard and it’s ugly, and it changes a person, much like it changes Alyssa and her friends.
Grieving. I never thought of it having a sound, but it does. I can hear it all around me – some of it soft, some of it loud. Everyone is just oozing out their grief until it lies on me like the worst blanket. Grief as a weight. Grief as a tangible thing. Now that’s something I’m more familiar with.
The story deals with some heavy topics, including grief, betrayal, the obsession for power, greed, and more, but there are some lighter, fun moments too. Several fun nods to other sci-fi shows and films, a hilarious and sarcastic AI, which is unexpected and delightful, and fantastic banter throughout the story bring a bit of levity and humor at times when it is most needed. There are so many twists and turns and revelations, and it is super intense and a bit dark at times. However, through it all, there are feelings of hope and determination, which makes for a nice balance.
I also love the inclusion of correspondence from Alyssa’s uncle. In it, we learn more about their universe and the political burdens he faced, and we also learn why he did certain things in his political and personal life. These scenes provide great context and show the reader how loved Alyssa was. It is a wonderful way to show a beautiful relationship with a fresh perspective. I also love that the story includes news headlines that recount what is happening across this vast universe. It really shows how skewed the media can be and how it is used to manipulate and persuade populations. There are many social and political messages like this throughout the story that completely resonate with our world and society.
There is also a ton of action and intrigue, and it is truly a race against time to stop Edgar Voles from becoming the leader. But holding Edgar accountable and revealing his role in the death of her beloved friend isn’t the only obstacle Alyssa must face. Religious zealots, corrupt politicians, manipulated media, and many other antagonists stand in her way. Her life is in constant danger, and with the ever-increasing governmental control, there is nowhere to hide. This is a universe on the crux of war, and Alyssa and her friends are desperate and determined to stop it. It sure is an intense, nail-biting, death-defying journey!
Thronebreakers is an exceptional conclusion to the Crownchasers duology! I‘m sad that it’s over, but I’m thrilled that I had the opportunity to read this brilliant story. It made me feel all the feels, and I’m so thankful to Rebecca Coffindaffer and Harper Teen for sending a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
March 13, 2022
3.5 stars. A good ending to this duology. It’s full of action and I enjoyed the storyline. I liked the first book a bit better though. Whereas I thought the impulsiveness of MC Alyssa was endearing in the first book it started to annoy me in this book. The stakes are so much higher and she came across as immature and selfish, she does redeem herself later in the book, but it took quite some time.
November 25, 2021
Am I a little biased in the rating? Absolutely. But I just love romps through space, taking down the government and losing everyone you love ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I have also officially become a Hell Monkey stan and devotee, thank you very much. We love a simp.
I have also officially become a Hell Monkey stan and devotee, thank you very much. We love a simp.
Currently reading
October 26, 2020GIMME. IT. NOW.
![Profile Image for julia ☆ [owls reads].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1636739475i/5520447._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
November 15, 2021
4 stars!
*
Thronebreakers was such a quick read for me! Coffindaffer's writing continued to be wonderful and super fun and I had a great time coming back to this universe. I had so many questions and expectations after the ending of the first novel and I was super excited to see how Alyssa was going to deal with everything that happened.
The plot did go in a bit of a different direction than I was expecting? One theme that continued to develop throughout this book was the one of grief and I really appreciated how the author dealt with that. It was brushed aside and the deaths that happened in this second installment also had more of an impact on me because of that.
All of the characters also grew so much from the time they were introduced until here. So many things changed about their circumstances and I thought it was wonderful how Coffindaffer let that move the plot along and how it changed some of the characters' world views regarding the empire.
One thing that did surprise me was how quickly the Edgar bit was solved, though, and I honestly expected more from it. I understand why that happened the way it did, but with the manner in which this sequel was set up, I thought the stakes were going to be higher and that it would have been way more complicated and tense to resolve this situation. I did enjoy the reveal of who was behind it all, despite it being obvious, and how that was solved!
*
Series: #2 and final in the Crownchasers series.
POV: Told from mostly Alyssa and Edgar's POVs.
Content Warnings:
Cliffhanger: No.
HEA:
*
Look, Birdie. Really look. Really see.
Thronebreakers was such a quick read for me! Coffindaffer's writing continued to be wonderful and super fun and I had a great time coming back to this universe. I had so many questions and expectations after the ending of the first novel and I was super excited to see how Alyssa was going to deal with everything that happened.
The plot did go in a bit of a different direction than I was expecting? One theme that continued to develop throughout this book was the one of grief and I really appreciated how the author dealt with that. It was brushed aside and the deaths that happened in this second installment also had more of an impact on me because of that.
All of the characters also grew so much from the time they were introduced until here. So many things changed about their circumstances and I thought it was wonderful how Coffindaffer let that move the plot along and how it changed some of the characters' world views regarding the empire.
One thing that did surprise me was how quickly the Edgar bit was solved, though, and I honestly expected more from it. I understand why that happened the way it did, but with the manner in which this sequel was set up, I thought the stakes were going to be higher and that it would have been way more complicated and tense to resolve this situation. I did enjoy the reveal of who was behind it all, despite it being obvious, and how that was solved!
*
Series: #2 and final in the Crownchasers series.
POV: Told from mostly Alyssa and Edgar's POVs.
Content Warnings:
Cliffhanger: No.
HEA:
Want to read
April 5, 2021#1) Thronebreakers ★★★★★
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November 24, 2021
Excellent conclusion to a fun YA scifi duology with a lot of heart.
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July 9, 2022
Rebecca Coffindaffer’s debut novel—and the first book in this space opera duology—was a solid, wildly entertaining read. It was a lot of fun, from beginning to end. As I described in my review last year, Crownchasers is a pitch-perfect YA send-up of George Lucas and/or Jessie Mihalik, complete with all the big Pew! Pew! Pew! energy you could ever wish for. I described the story as “snarky bisexuals in space” and really, need I say more? Plus, if I recall correctly, the only “complaint” I had about the series opener was the lack of depth in protagonist Alyssa Farshot’s characterization (and maybe a few gaps in the world-building).
Thronebreakers does not have those issues.
In fact, not only does Thronebreakers not have those issues, Coffindaffer’s brilliant balancing act between riveting action and a complex emotional arc is a masterclass in genre writing. This is how it’s done, folks. I’ve been writing book reviews since 2010; I’ve read nearly 2,000 books since 2012, when I started tracking my reads. At this point, I’ve become a wee bit jaded, and it takes a lot to impress me. I don’t hand out 5-star ratings willy-nilly. In fact, this is only my second 5-star review of the year, and it’s already November. So please take me Very Seriously when I say: this book is the absolute shit.
ACTION-FOCUSED PLOT WITH AN INJECTION OF CHARACTER GROWTH
What I think is so critical in this series finale, and what makes the book successful in a way a lot of sequels aren’t, is that Coffindaffer doesn’t merely present the continuation of Alyssa Farshot’s journey. Rather, she builds onto the blueprints already drafted in the first book and simultaneously digs deep into the foundations of her protagonist’s identity and how that affects her choices. Okay, but what do I mean by that?
First and mainly, the external stakes are so much higher here. In Crownchasers, Alyssa was (reluctantly) participating in a galactic treasure hunt for a chance to win the empire. But Alyssa didn’t actually want the throne—her motivations were to help out her friends. On one hand, helping friends attain their own goals does speak to Alyssa’s character, but on the other hand, Alyssa never had any real skin in the game. Throughout the first book, it was clear that Alyssa wanted nothing more than to wipe the dust of intergalactic politics off her boots and go back to a life of dissolute thrill-seeking. There were a few moments where maybe, just maybe, a larger sense of duty and justice seeped through—like when she encountered members of a marginalized ethnic group on a colonized planet—but overall, Alyssa was only looking out for herself and what she believed to be in her best interests.
Thronebreakers begins just as Alyssa makes a U-turn toward full awareness of how structural inequities and out of touch policies have damaged more people than they’ve helped. And the reason Alyssa even begins to learn that lesson is because, this time, the stakes are personal. Her motivation isn’t to help her friends anymore. Here, she wants revenge, and she’s willing to do absolutely anything to get it. Sure, this is still a selfish motive, but the emotional intensity of blind vengeance gives Coffindaffer a starting point to begin to explore the main character’s growth. Because whereas previously Alyssa was free to walk away from the fight at any moment, with no true loss or injury, she can’t do that here. Instead, when Alyssa is confronted with the ways in which her worldview is too narrowly framed, she has to stay and work it out. Slowly, the reader sees Alyssa’s thirst for revenge against the Evil Emperor morph into a desire to dismantle the inequitable power structures of the empire itself, in which the emperor is just a figurehead.
I genuinely cannot express how organic and subtle the shift in Alyssa’s perspective is from beginning to end. This is a true coming of age novel, where you see the main character’s ability to emotionally connect with others expand from a small circle comprising just herself and those like her, to others she personally meets throughout her journey, and finally to all those she has a responsibility to protect and advocate for as a consequence of her status as the ultra-privileged child of emperors.
And, again, this portrayal of Alyssa’s maturation walks hand-in-hand with the high octane, action-packed plot, which is wonderfully full of laser cannons, genetically engineered assassins, advanced AI, and madcap flight maneuvers that would make Han Solo proud. The climax of the story takes place amidst an all-out space battle between the Evil Emperor and a ragtag band of space rebels (who have somewhat begrudgingly thrown in their lot with Alyssa and Company). I hate comparing all science fiction to Star Wars, because it’s not fair to anyone, but the last third of Thronebreakers has very big “battle on the moon of Endor” vibes—only here, the Death Star is (a) fully operational and (b) capable of entering the atmosphere and wreaking direct mayhem. But consistent with Return of the Jedi, the “Death Star” in this book is very satisfyingly blown to smithereens by the final scene, taking the emperor and his associates with it. (Do not speak to me about anything that occurred in the more recent films re: said emperor; I refuse to see any of the alleged “sequels” or otherwise acknowledge their existence.)
I do think it’s critical to highlight that the empire is 100% overthrown by the end of Thronebreakers, through the combined efforts of Alyssa, her fellow “blue bloods,” and the anti-imperial organization that gives Alyssa shelter when she lands on the front page of Galaxy’s Most Wanted. In my opinion, this series hearkens to Polaris Rising by Jessie Mihalik, a recently published trilogy of adult space operas. But Mihalik’s series, which was also focused on a family of hyper-privileged elites, concluded with the exact same power structures remaining in place, just with the younger (supposedly less corrupt) generation in charge. There wasn’t much true rebellion, and it wasn’t satisfying for me. My reaction to Mihalik’s trilogy was very “Oh yay, the protagonists have been liberated from tyranny, but what about literally everyone else?” NOT THE CASE HERE! Coffindaffer razes the foundations of the empire to the ground, and she makes it very clear that the new government is committed to true reform. Real steps are taken to make sure that in the future, another Evil Emperor won’t have such an easy time subjugating the quadrant.
WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT EDGAR VOLES
Right, so. The “Evil Emperor” in Thronebreakers. This is the aspect of the story that (a) I found most impressive, (b) absolutely wrecked me, and which (c) I really wanted to talk about in this review.
If you’re not a follower of my ongoing examination of YA sci-fi/fantasy and its larger implications vis-à-vis the ubiquitous theme of “literal children dying to save the world,” just know that this is a subject I’ve been ruminating on frequently of late. I’d recommend skimming this review to get an idea of my struggles/thoughts. See, also, this review. (I promise I’m getting to the Evil Emperor in a second.)
As you would expect, Thronebreakers is ultimately a story about kids saving the galaxy. Alyssa Farshot and all her friends are 16-18 years old. When this sort of set-up happens, my initial reaction is usually along the lines of “okay but where are the adults in the room?” (see reviews linked above). I didn’t have that hang-up with this book for one very simple reason: the adults in Thronebreakers are all dead. Roughly halfway through the book, the Evil Emperor (allegedly) decides to wipe-out the threat that any other high-ranking family could pose to his rule, so he orders a synchronized, galaxy-wide mass assassination. In the aftermath, the situation isn’t that the grown-ups are letting the babies walk headfirst into danger; rather, it’s that the babies are the only ones left.
But here’s the thing. The Evil Emperor, Edgar Voles? He’s a baby, too.
I’ve always been a sucker for a well-written “sympathetic villain”—someone who does horrible things for reasons that make sense. For instance, I really like Thanos as a bad guy, although I obviously don’t support Snapping people out of existence. Edgar Voles in the Crownchasers series is a highly sympathetic villain.
In fact, I submit that Edgar Voles isn’t a villain at all.
Throughout this duology, and hand-in-hand with her masterful work with Alyssa Farshot’s character development, Rebecca Coffindaffer delves into Edgar’s backstory and the reasons he acts as he does. In the first book, the reader strongly dislikes Edgar, but it’s also clear that he’s a very lonely kid who’s been neglected/abused by his father and alienated by his peers (Alyssa included). He doesn’t necessarily want the throne in order to be powerful; he just wants to be seen. By somebody. Anybody.
In pursuit of that goal, Edgar commits several morally suspect deeds, including the murder of a fellow crownchase contestant. I’m not excusing him. But, y’know, there is a reason that even in a society as punishment-oriented as the United States, the Supreme Court has declined to hold that capital punishment is constitutional in cases where the defendant is a minor. There are clear mitigating factors in Edgar’s situation.
Of course, and as anybody with a brain might have predicted, Edgar’s coronation doesn’t result in him getting what he wants or otherwise ameliorating any of his trauma. He goes from an invisible, awkward child to a fragile boy-king who’s easily manipulated by the actually villainous powers lurking in the shadows. All Edgar wanted was a family, unconditional love, a parental figure who’s proud of him. But at the end of the day, Edgar Voles is just a puppet, picked up and then discarded by the political power-players whenever convenient.
AND EDGAR FUCKING DIES. ALONE. HATED BY EVERYONE. TRYING TO DO THE RIGHT THING, BUT TOO LATE FOR IT TO REALLY MATTER.
Fuck me.
I thought babies sacrificing their lives to thwart evil was bad enough. Turns out that babies dying utterly abandoned and with the belief that they’re irredeemable monsters is ten times worse.
How very dare Coffindaffer giver readers a villain who is not only sympathetic, but also a devastating object lesson in how corruption and tyranny create such desolating ripple effects? How dare she.
BRINGING A LONG REVIEW TO A CLOSE
To recap, Thronebreakers is the best book I’ve read in 2021, for many reasons, including:
— Riveting and immersive space opera hijinks with the danger-o-meter dialed way up
— A difficult coming-of-age arc that both complements and completes the more obvious “pew! pew! pew!” aspects of the external conflict
— Sharp, irreverent narration from a protagonist with a distinctive and loveable voice
— A complicated (and tragic) antagonist whose downfall is portrayed with nuance and respect
— A satisfying conclusion that’s open-ended yet hopeful and future-oriented
Thronebreakers is so, so, so good. I cannot express enough how much I love this book. I am so impressed with the way Coffindaffer gives her readers exactly what we want/expect/need from the conclusion to Alyssa Farshot’s story, but in a better and smarter and more stylish way than I even hoped for.
This is why I read books.
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Thronebreakers does not have those issues.
In fact, not only does Thronebreakers not have those issues, Coffindaffer’s brilliant balancing act between riveting action and a complex emotional arc is a masterclass in genre writing. This is how it’s done, folks. I’ve been writing book reviews since 2010; I’ve read nearly 2,000 books since 2012, when I started tracking my reads. At this point, I’ve become a wee bit jaded, and it takes a lot to impress me. I don’t hand out 5-star ratings willy-nilly. In fact, this is only my second 5-star review of the year, and it’s already November. So please take me Very Seriously when I say: this book is the absolute shit.
ACTION-FOCUSED PLOT WITH AN INJECTION OF CHARACTER GROWTH
What I think is so critical in this series finale, and what makes the book successful in a way a lot of sequels aren’t, is that Coffindaffer doesn’t merely present the continuation of Alyssa Farshot’s journey. Rather, she builds onto the blueprints already drafted in the first book and simultaneously digs deep into the foundations of her protagonist’s identity and how that affects her choices. Okay, but what do I mean by that?
First and mainly, the external stakes are so much higher here. In Crownchasers, Alyssa was (reluctantly) participating in a galactic treasure hunt for a chance to win the empire. But Alyssa didn’t actually want the throne—her motivations were to help out her friends. On one hand, helping friends attain their own goals does speak to Alyssa’s character, but on the other hand, Alyssa never had any real skin in the game. Throughout the first book, it was clear that Alyssa wanted nothing more than to wipe the dust of intergalactic politics off her boots and go back to a life of dissolute thrill-seeking. There were a few moments where maybe, just maybe, a larger sense of duty and justice seeped through—like when she encountered members of a marginalized ethnic group on a colonized planet—but overall, Alyssa was only looking out for herself and what she believed to be in her best interests.
Thronebreakers begins just as Alyssa makes a U-turn toward full awareness of how structural inequities and out of touch policies have damaged more people than they’ve helped. And the reason Alyssa even begins to learn that lesson is because, this time, the stakes are personal. Her motivation isn’t to help her friends anymore. Here, she wants revenge, and she’s willing to do absolutely anything to get it. Sure, this is still a selfish motive, but the emotional intensity of blind vengeance gives Coffindaffer a starting point to begin to explore the main character’s growth. Because whereas previously Alyssa was free to walk away from the fight at any moment, with no true loss or injury, she can’t do that here. Instead, when Alyssa is confronted with the ways in which her worldview is too narrowly framed, she has to stay and work it out. Slowly, the reader sees Alyssa’s thirst for revenge against the Evil Emperor morph into a desire to dismantle the inequitable power structures of the empire itself, in which the emperor is just a figurehead.
I genuinely cannot express how organic and subtle the shift in Alyssa’s perspective is from beginning to end. This is a true coming of age novel, where you see the main character’s ability to emotionally connect with others expand from a small circle comprising just herself and those like her, to others she personally meets throughout her journey, and finally to all those she has a responsibility to protect and advocate for as a consequence of her status as the ultra-privileged child of emperors.
And, again, this portrayal of Alyssa’s maturation walks hand-in-hand with the high octane, action-packed plot, which is wonderfully full of laser cannons, genetically engineered assassins, advanced AI, and madcap flight maneuvers that would make Han Solo proud. The climax of the story takes place amidst an all-out space battle between the Evil Emperor and a ragtag band of space rebels (who have somewhat begrudgingly thrown in their lot with Alyssa and Company). I hate comparing all science fiction to Star Wars, because it’s not fair to anyone, but the last third of Thronebreakers has very big “battle on the moon of Endor” vibes—only here, the Death Star is (a) fully operational and (b) capable of entering the atmosphere and wreaking direct mayhem. But consistent with Return of the Jedi, the “Death Star” in this book is very satisfyingly blown to smithereens by the final scene, taking the emperor and his associates with it. (Do not speak to me about anything that occurred in the more recent films re: said emperor; I refuse to see any of the alleged “sequels” or otherwise acknowledge their existence.)
I do think it’s critical to highlight that the empire is 100% overthrown by the end of Thronebreakers, through the combined efforts of Alyssa, her fellow “blue bloods,” and the anti-imperial organization that gives Alyssa shelter when she lands on the front page of Galaxy’s Most Wanted. In my opinion, this series hearkens to Polaris Rising by Jessie Mihalik, a recently published trilogy of adult space operas. But Mihalik’s series, which was also focused on a family of hyper-privileged elites, concluded with the exact same power structures remaining in place, just with the younger (supposedly less corrupt) generation in charge. There wasn’t much true rebellion, and it wasn’t satisfying for me. My reaction to Mihalik’s trilogy was very “Oh yay, the protagonists have been liberated from tyranny, but what about literally everyone else?” NOT THE CASE HERE! Coffindaffer razes the foundations of the empire to the ground, and she makes it very clear that the new government is committed to true reform. Real steps are taken to make sure that in the future, another Evil Emperor won’t have such an easy time subjugating the quadrant.
WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT EDGAR VOLES
Right, so. The “Evil Emperor” in Thronebreakers. This is the aspect of the story that (a) I found most impressive, (b) absolutely wrecked me, and which (c) I really wanted to talk about in this review.
If you’re not a follower of my ongoing examination of YA sci-fi/fantasy and its larger implications vis-à-vis the ubiquitous theme of “literal children dying to save the world,” just know that this is a subject I’ve been ruminating on frequently of late. I’d recommend skimming this review to get an idea of my struggles/thoughts. See, also, this review. (I promise I’m getting to the Evil Emperor in a second.)
As you would expect, Thronebreakers is ultimately a story about kids saving the galaxy. Alyssa Farshot and all her friends are 16-18 years old. When this sort of set-up happens, my initial reaction is usually along the lines of “okay but where are the adults in the room?” (see reviews linked above). I didn’t have that hang-up with this book for one very simple reason: the adults in Thronebreakers are all dead. Roughly halfway through the book, the Evil Emperor (allegedly) decides to wipe-out the threat that any other high-ranking family could pose to his rule, so he orders a synchronized, galaxy-wide mass assassination. In the aftermath, the situation isn’t that the grown-ups are letting the babies walk headfirst into danger; rather, it’s that the babies are the only ones left.
But here’s the thing. The Evil Emperor, Edgar Voles? He’s a baby, too.
I’ve always been a sucker for a well-written “sympathetic villain”—someone who does horrible things for reasons that make sense. For instance, I really like Thanos as a bad guy, although I obviously don’t support Snapping people out of existence. Edgar Voles in the Crownchasers series is a highly sympathetic villain.
In fact, I submit that Edgar Voles isn’t a villain at all.
Throughout this duology, and hand-in-hand with her masterful work with Alyssa Farshot’s character development, Rebecca Coffindaffer delves into Edgar’s backstory and the reasons he acts as he does. In the first book, the reader strongly dislikes Edgar, but it’s also clear that he’s a very lonely kid who’s been neglected/abused by his father and alienated by his peers (Alyssa included). He doesn’t necessarily want the throne in order to be powerful; he just wants to be seen. By somebody. Anybody.
In pursuit of that goal, Edgar commits several morally suspect deeds, including the murder of a fellow crownchase contestant. I’m not excusing him. But, y’know, there is a reason that even in a society as punishment-oriented as the United States, the Supreme Court has declined to hold that capital punishment is constitutional in cases where the defendant is a minor. There are clear mitigating factors in Edgar’s situation.
Of course, and as anybody with a brain might have predicted, Edgar’s coronation doesn’t result in him getting what he wants or otherwise ameliorating any of his trauma. He goes from an invisible, awkward child to a fragile boy-king who’s easily manipulated by the actually villainous powers lurking in the shadows. All Edgar wanted was a family, unconditional love, a parental figure who’s proud of him. But at the end of the day, Edgar Voles is just a puppet, picked up and then discarded by the political power-players whenever convenient.
AND EDGAR FUCKING DIES. ALONE. HATED BY EVERYONE. TRYING TO DO THE RIGHT THING, BUT TOO LATE FOR IT TO REALLY MATTER.
Fuck me.
I thought babies sacrificing their lives to thwart evil was bad enough. Turns out that babies dying utterly abandoned and with the belief that they’re irredeemable monsters is ten times worse.
How very dare Coffindaffer giver readers a villain who is not only sympathetic, but also a devastating object lesson in how corruption and tyranny create such desolating ripple effects? How dare she.
BRINGING A LONG REVIEW TO A CLOSE
To recap, Thronebreakers is the best book I’ve read in 2021, for many reasons, including:
— Riveting and immersive space opera hijinks with the danger-o-meter dialed way up
— A difficult coming-of-age arc that both complements and completes the more obvious “pew! pew! pew!” aspects of the external conflict
— Sharp, irreverent narration from a protagonist with a distinctive and loveable voice
— A complicated (and tragic) antagonist whose downfall is portrayed with nuance and respect
— A satisfying conclusion that’s open-ended yet hopeful and future-oriented
Thronebreakers is so, so, so good. I cannot express enough how much I love this book. I am so impressed with the way Coffindaffer gives her readers exactly what we want/expect/need from the conclusion to Alyssa Farshot’s story, but in a better and smarter and more stylish way than I even hoped for.
This is why I read books.
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Want to read
October 3, 2021I want to read this so badly but I cannot for the life of me remember what happened in book 1 😭
April 28, 2022
This series was SUCH a good find - the characterisations and plotting is done to perfection, it's unique, while still feeling very familiar so you can jump right into the story. This is a sequel, obviously, but it does that to perfection - it's not just part 2 of the first book, it goes "bigger" but in a way that absolutely makes sense and feels very natural given everything that happened in book 1 and the start of this book:
Anyway, excellent duology, HIGHLY recommend, will be watching for Coffindaffer's next book very closely.
Anyway, excellent duology, HIGHLY recommend, will be watching for Coffindaffer's next book very closely.
November 5, 2021
*Source* Library
*Genre* Young Adult / Science Fiction
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Thronebreakers is the second and final installment in author Rebecca Coffindaffer's Crownchasers duology. The story takes place in the year 4031. Protagonist Alyssa Farshot nee Faroshti was a member of the Explorers Society. She traveled all over the empire as one of the best pilots the Society ever had. When her uncle Atar Faroshti, the Emperor of the United Sovereign Empire, died, she became a reluctant contender in a deadly competition for the throne. For the first time in 700 years, contenders must find the royal seal hidden in one the empires systems to win.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Young Adult / Science Fiction
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Thronebreakers is the second and final installment in author Rebecca Coffindaffer's Crownchasers duology. The story takes place in the year 4031. Protagonist Alyssa Farshot nee Faroshti was a member of the Explorers Society. She traveled all over the empire as one of the best pilots the Society ever had. When her uncle Atar Faroshti, the Emperor of the United Sovereign Empire, died, she became a reluctant contender in a deadly competition for the throne. For the first time in 700 years, contenders must find the royal seal hidden in one the empires systems to win.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
December 20, 2021
Not as good as the first book in the duology, Crownchasers. Alyssa Farshot is seeking vengeance against Edgar Voles, who is being crowned emperor after stealing the coveted seal from and murdering of Alyssa's former lover (Coy). Edgar is well protected on the kingship, including the royal guards. The only proof of his crime is recorded on a fried mediabot. In order to convince friends and the general population of her claims and her innocence of being an assassin, she must find someone with the skills to repair it. Alyssa must pledge herself to a new galactic order to gain the necessary assistance, risking her life and her closest allies, including her helmsman, Hell Monkey. Edgar's ascendance is interrupted by an interloper, who wants to rule himself, but his overconfidence becomes his downfall. Sadly, Alyssa's unconventional behavior and zeal in the first book devolved into recklessness in the sequel.
February 27, 2023
"Look at that. Where there's smoke, there's Farshot."
Every now and then, it's good to get to read a two-book series instead of a three-book one, or a standalone. Coffindaffer's Alyssa makes a bid for the endgame here, and boy, what an endgame it is.
I must admit, I'm not feeling quite as extatic with Book 2 as with Book 1. There is one moment where I believe the author goes a bit too far and we end up with a whole list of deaths that was a bit too much to my liking. But apart from that, it's one wild ride. No one is safe, there's action around every corner of the universe and page, some characters surprise you quite a lot... I could go on for a while.
There are two main points in this book, and the author thankfully handles one problem neatly before the other one really comes up. I doubt anyone is really surprised by Wythe's involvement in all of it, keeping in mind the kind of dirty little rat he already was in Crownchasers. Edgar Voles is less annoying, but he still gets what he deserves, thankfully!
Alyssa is still as awesome as ever, as is Faye. Setter is fun too. I do miss Coy a lot.
Fine, so I'm not going to say that I'm not a teensy tinesy bit disappointed because this book couldn't totally captivate me the way Book 1 could, but it's still a heck of a book all the same. There are still a lot of new worlds and species to be discovered here, which is one of the main reasons I love this series so much. It has such a complex structure, with so many different worlds and species.
This book also contains one of those tropes where an absolute power changes into a more democratic form of government. It's not by far the first time I've come across this, and most of the time it just annoys me, because those books are often very clearly set in a kind of world where there is no place whatsoever for that kind of idiocy, but the Crownchaser series setting fits that idea much better. I like it!
8.4/10
Average rating for the series: 9/10
Every now and then, it's good to get to read a two-book series instead of a three-book one, or a standalone. Coffindaffer's Alyssa makes a bid for the endgame here, and boy, what an endgame it is.
I must admit, I'm not feeling quite as extatic with Book 2 as with Book 1. There is one moment where I believe the author goes a bit too far and we end up with a whole list of deaths that was a bit too much to my liking. But apart from that, it's one wild ride. No one is safe, there's action around every corner of the universe and page, some characters surprise you quite a lot... I could go on for a while.
There are two main points in this book, and the author thankfully handles one problem neatly before the other one really comes up. I doubt anyone is really surprised by Wythe's involvement in all of it, keeping in mind the kind of dirty little rat he already was in Crownchasers. Edgar Voles is less annoying, but he still gets what he deserves, thankfully!
Alyssa is still as awesome as ever, as is Faye. Setter is fun too. I do miss Coy a lot.
Fine, so I'm not going to say that I'm not a teensy tinesy bit disappointed because this book couldn't totally captivate me the way Book 1 could, but it's still a heck of a book all the same. There are still a lot of new worlds and species to be discovered here, which is one of the main reasons I love this series so much. It has such a complex structure, with so many different worlds and species.
This book also contains one of those tropes where an absolute power changes into a more democratic form of government. It's not by far the first time I've come across this, and most of the time it just annoys me, because those books are often very clearly set in a kind of world where there is no place whatsoever for that kind of idiocy, but the Crownchaser series setting fits that idea much better. I like it!
8.4/10
Average rating for the series: 9/10
November 23, 2021
I really really enjoyed this!
was super happy to see so much action in the plot, it was a lot of fun and kept my attention very well.
the characters have all changed and grew so much, and I am very happy with how they all turned out in the end, all having their own place.
there were a lot of sad moments, that surprisingly made me like this book even more, for some reason.
the only thing I felt a bit frustrated about is Edgar. he really did deserve much more, than just what he got in the end. especially knowing how important he was during the first book, I just felt a bit of a disappointment, honestly.
was super happy to see so much action in the plot, it was a lot of fun and kept my attention very well.
the characters have all changed and grew so much, and I am very happy with how they all turned out in the end, all having their own place.
there were a lot of sad moments, that surprisingly made me like this book even more, for some reason.
the only thing I felt a bit frustrated about is Edgar. he really did deserve much more, than just what he got in the end. especially knowing how important he was during the first book, I just felt a bit of a disappointment, honestly.
December 27, 2021
This series is so, so good and so underrated! This was a fun, fast-paced ride through space where allies are made and new characters are introduced. Going to be honest: except for this book and one other, every second book in a duology that released in 2021 has been a massive disappointment.
Not so with this book! The stakes are higher here than in book one, the plot moves fast, and if the first book was intense, this one is a little more so. This one gave me mild Star Wars vibes during the battle scene, which I very much enjoyed. I love the writing, the storytelling, the pacing, the characters (even though you sometimes want to knock sense into some of them), and the diversity rep. Highly recommended if you like fun, fast-paced thrill rides through space with characters you can get behind.
Not so with this book! The stakes are higher here than in book one, the plot moves fast, and if the first book was intense, this one is a little more so. This one gave me mild Star Wars vibes during the battle scene, which I very much enjoyed. I love the writing, the storytelling, the pacing, the characters (even though you sometimes want to knock sense into some of them), and the diversity rep. Highly recommended if you like fun, fast-paced thrill rides through space with characters you can get behind.
August 28, 2022
This book was SO. EFFING. GOOD!!!!! Seriously I am stunned. I thought I was going into this cute little sci-fi duology but no. This is about revolution and leadership and grief and family. It feels way bigger than just the main character and it was so stunning. I listened to it on audiobook which I highly recommend - the narrator was fantastic and she brought so much life to the series!! Honestly this was like a better, more concise version of stars wars lmao.
October 15, 2021
This was actual perfection. I cried, I laughed, I was stressed enough to consider biting my nails for the first time in years. The author even had me crying for the bad guy. HOW?! A top five sci-fi series for me for sure.
December 20, 2021
4,5 ⭐️ Just like the first book, this was so freaking fun !!!
December 11, 2021
Yeah, I did finish this audiobook in one day while I was doing my final geography project, and what of it?
November 14, 2021
O.M.F.G ♾/10
October 21, 2022
This is such an underrated series. I loved Crownchasers and Thronebreakers is non-stop thrilling. What a way to end a duology! Alyssa's arc is fantastic, and the pulse-pounding non-stop action is just exhilarating. Highly recommend this refreshing duology to anyone looking to be endlessly entertained by remarkable world-building, unpredictable, thrilling plotting, and a cast of brilliant characters.
January 9, 2022
”Meet me at the edge of the universe.”
Thank god I had the audiobook already borrowed because I literally finished Crownchasers and started Thronebreakers and then proceeded to listen to it in one sitting.
This series is truly just that fantastic. Great pacing, breakneck action sequences, it’ll pull at your heartstrings—and it’s queer as hell. I love everything about these books.
Shelved as 'listed'
December 31, 2020LI is demisexual/greyromantic
https://twitter.com/callmebecks/statu...
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October 14, 2021
THAT WAS ONE HELL OF A RIDE AND IT WAS AMAZING! Full review coming soon. I'm part of an Instagram tour. Watch out for my post on 10/16 at @bryanhoardsbooks 🚀💫✨
May 9, 2022
Hell Monkey & NOVA arc best arc.
November 16, 2021
Series Info/Source: This is the second (and final) book in the Crownchasers duology. I borrowed an ebook of this from the library.
Thoughts: I really loved this conclusion to the Crownchasers duology. This book was incredibly fast-paced with an amazing story and wonderful characters. The action is non-stop and I just enjoyed every second of this.
Alyssa is in a tough spot and makes the rash decision to try and assassinate Edgar (the new emperor). With Hell Monkey by her side, she tries to follow her path to revenge but ultimately things go wrong. This leads Alyssa and Hell Monkey down a path they never expected. They are forced to make alliances and eventually lead a revolution to overthrow it all.
Alyssa and Hell Monkey are both amazing characters. I do love that we get to learn more about Hell Monkey’s history here and I love how he supports Alyssa and how resourceful he is. Alyssa can be frustrating at times with the rash decisions she makes, but I loved her for it all the more. There are a lot of fantastic side characters here as well. The characters are snarky, tough, and heartwarming all at once; an excellent job was done with characterization here.
Although there is some planet exploration here, it was much less than in the first book. The world-building remains top notch, but you just don’t see as many unique planets. Rather, you get non-stop action and a lot of space battles; as well as more politics. I loved it and there were actually parts of the book that moved so stunningly fast they left me breathless. I pretty much loved every minute of it.
My Summary (5/5): Overall this was an amazing conclusion to an amazing sci-fi duology. This series would make a fantastic sci-fi movie as well. The whole thing was very well done! I loved the world, the characters, the action scenes, the fast pace, and the way everything was wrapped up with such a hopeful tone. I would highly recommend to those who enjoy high octane sci-fi adventures with a great story and some heart. I can’t wait to see what Coffindaffer writes next!
December 14, 2021
I can't decide between 4 or 5 stars for Thronebreakers, which means I will be rounding up.
I mean, first of all, just look at it. (Isn't the cover so pretty???)
This book is like Star Wars mixed with so much sarcasm and a bunch of incredible things. In many science fiction, space-y books, it's easy for the readers who aren't heavily versed in planes and ships and space to get lost, but somehow, Coffindaffer made it ridiculously hard to get lost. I was on board (haha) the entire time, and there was never a moment where I wanted to set the book down and leave Alyssa and Hell Monkey and the gang.
I don't know if it's because everyone's grief was written so beautifully or what, but I connected with these characters. And it wasn't just that they each had their own personalities, but they had their own ways to express themselves, of speaking, of reacting to grief and other hard situations, and it was more than just the main character. Even Hell Monkey had his glorious moments. That's the kind of writing I look for in books, where you can connect to each individual character, whether they be a side character or Alyssa herself.
There's just so much about this book that I want to gush about. It didn't start hitting the feels until over halfway through, but it had enough space pirate-like shenanigans and explosions to make up for it. My only issue was not remembering most of the characters, and even then, I jumped back in quickly.
There are a thousand words on the tip of my tongue and also none, all at the same time. I wish there will be a third, but also I'm very happy with how Thronebreakers ended.
I mean, first of all, just look at it. (Isn't the cover so pretty???)
This book is like Star Wars mixed with so much sarcasm and a bunch of incredible things. In many science fiction, space-y books, it's easy for the readers who aren't heavily versed in planes and ships and space to get lost, but somehow, Coffindaffer made it ridiculously hard to get lost. I was on board (haha) the entire time, and there was never a moment where I wanted to set the book down and leave Alyssa and Hell Monkey and the gang.
I don't know if it's because everyone's grief was written so beautifully or what, but I connected with these characters. And it wasn't just that they each had their own personalities, but they had their own ways to express themselves, of speaking, of reacting to grief and other hard situations, and it was more than just the main character. Even Hell Monkey had his glorious moments. That's the kind of writing I look for in books, where you can connect to each individual character, whether they be a side character or Alyssa herself.
There's just so much about this book that I want to gush about. It didn't start hitting the feels until over halfway through, but it had enough space pirate-like shenanigans and explosions to make up for it. My only issue was not remembering most of the characters, and even then, I jumped back in quickly.
There are a thousand words on the tip of my tongue and also none, all at the same time. I wish there will be a third, but also I'm very happy with how Thronebreakers ended.
January 31, 2022
While
Crownchasers
is a fun, action-packed space romp, Thronebreakers is downright devastating. I was foolishly not prepared for this nail-biting, heart-wrenching sequel.
Final impressions:
• This book starts out with Alyssa vying for vengeance against the soon-to-be-crowned emperor. However, as the story progresses, her selfish goal and narrow perspective are repeatedly challenged, allowing her to fully recognize the inequitable power structures of the empire itself and develop a genuine desire to dismantle it for the greater good.
• Still a very action-driven plot but balanced with enough character maturation (see above).
• Still loving the easy banter among the characters.
• Hell Monkey being an unapologetic simp for a snarky, unhinged adrenaline junkie - we love to see it.
• More political machinations, more intensity, and more "pew! pew! pew!"
• Acknowledges the power of media (particularly news publications) in times of political turmoil and war. (Always a plus point.)
• Fair warning that this book is A LOT darker than the first installment - with depictions of grief, loss, and trauma.
• From hardheaded heroines throwing themselves into danger to teens toppling tyrannical governments, Thronebreakers has all the staple elements that make YA sci-fi very well-loved. However, its delivery is truly unmatched, unapologetically going above and beyond to tell the story in a nuanced, refreshing light. And it is satisfying as fuck.
Final verdict:
Highly recommended!
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Final impressions:
• This book starts out with Alyssa vying for vengeance against the soon-to-be-crowned emperor. However, as the story progresses, her selfish goal and narrow perspective are repeatedly challenged, allowing her to fully recognize the inequitable power structures of the empire itself and develop a genuine desire to dismantle it for the greater good.
• Still a very action-driven plot but balanced with enough character maturation (see above).
• Still loving the easy banter among the characters.
• Hell Monkey being an unapologetic simp for a snarky, unhinged adrenaline junkie - we love to see it.
• More political machinations, more intensity, and more "pew! pew! pew!"
• Acknowledges the power of media (particularly news publications) in times of political turmoil and war. (Always a plus point.)
• Fair warning that this book is A LOT darker than the first installment - with depictions of grief, loss, and trauma.
• From hardheaded heroines throwing themselves into danger to teens toppling tyrannical governments, Thronebreakers has all the staple elements that make YA sci-fi very well-loved. However, its delivery is truly unmatched, unapologetically going above and beyond to tell the story in a nuanced, refreshing light. And it is satisfying as fuck.
Final verdict:
Highly recommended!
🌻🍃 More bookish content on Shut up, Shealea 🍃🌻
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