Jenna Moreci has helped guide me through the writing process for roughly two years now and it’s been a pleasure to finally read one of her novels. Being dyslexic, I don’t get around to reading much if there isn’t an audiobook available, and thankfully there was an option for purchase. Nick Denton brought this character-rich world to life with his many distinct voices and enthusiastic inflection. I particularly loved his take on Flynn - he sounded so punchable. But let’s get into the meat of the review, which won’t really focus on plot, but more of my feelings. Spoilers WILL be interspersed throughout this review, so if you’re looking for a general summarizing thought...mix The Hunger Games with Survivor, add in real romance, make it R, and make it way more interesting. The Savior’s Champion.
SPOILERS...kind of...
The Good
1. Characters.
I was very concerned that because there are 20 competitors in The Soverigns Tournament, that I’d quickly lose track of who was who. Jenna gets around this by allowing some to fall into the background for awhile while others get their time to shine. Naturally some are killed off right away, but that’s just the purpose of some characters: cannon fodder.
Standouts:
My personal favorite was Kaleo - but for a strange reason. He’s a murderous sociopath who is quite possibly the most despicable character in the book (apart from Brontes.) I love a good villain, and he is the antithesis to Tobias, our incredibly relatable, punching bag of a lead. He attacks all of Tobias’s weaknesses and does so right from the start.
Orion was a great sort of “father figure”that Tobias had recently lost, which was a great change of pace from the ravenous competitors.
Delphi was a joy every minute she was on the page, basically like a good version of Littlefinger - knowing literally everything.
Of course Leila is fantastic and I loved what happens with her character.
And Flynn... where to start with Flynn. You know what. I just won’t say anything. We all know how we feel about this idiot. But just in case we don’t...he’s the embodiment of a punchable little twat...and yet he’s just oh so fun to read about :). Love ya Flynn - ya dingus.
Ironically... I would have liked to have seen more of my favorite character Kaleo. For as great as he was, he had very little page time until it mattered. BUT, that’s kind fine?
For the record, there were no character I didn’t like - simply ones that I wish had a little more to do. Specifically, Bjorne, Lucian, Family, Garrick, and Raphael oddly enough. For as much page time as Raphael got, I really didn’t get to know him as much as I think Jenna wanted me to.
The Trio of lords (Neil Caesar and Beau) were all insufferable and I frickin loved them for it.
2. The Challenges.
I was about worried that the challenges would feel repetitive. I knew they’d all be different, but for some dumb reason I didn’t expect Tobias to have a different reaction or feeling or motivational approach to each challenge. It got really interesting once Leila officially entered the picture.
3. The Conflict.
There was so much of it. I love a good drama and while this was filled with action, blood, and sex, sometimes bloody sex, this book at its core was HARD drama. Everyone had something up their sleave, a gripe with another champion, a secret relationship hiding in the shadows, or even a hidden motivation for their entry into the tournament. This book ALWAYS had something happening, and Tobias was always the under dog.
4. The Satisfaction
At the end of the day, a story needs to be satisfying. This one was. Plain and simple. I was never disappointed with any of the reveals, fight outcomes, motivations, or really even character-page time. (It’s a big cast) The Savior’s Champion left me satisfied, and I can’t wait for the sequel.
5. Jenna.
She knows EXACTLY what she wants her book to say and how she wants it to be told. She had a very distinct voice with a “zero breaks on violence” policy. Respect. She practices what she preaches, and I’m sure it will only get better. She really cares about her work, and it shows.
I could go on and on about specific good details, but at the end of the day, if you like a solid romance about hot people murdering each other for a god-queens with more substance than it let’s onand a cast of diverse and charming characters, then this is the book for you.
Okay, we gotta do this.
The Bad: AND THIS HAS SPOILERS - it’s more for Jenna.
There is ONE glaring weakness to this book and I think it’s just me. God-Mode Teleportation.
I love Tobias. I really do. He has a clear motive and is truly a great protagonist - one is the best actually..BUT. I never once felt like he was in any real danger because of one specific moment.
SPOILERS:
The Artist vs The Giant.
I really loved this fight. It was brutal and Tobias got thrashed early on. But then the blessing kicked in and the fight suddenly became so one sided that I didn’t really care that much, because I knew that Toby-saurus was going to win. After that, he was blessed many times over, which ended up being awesome, like I loved the twist at the end and connecting the dots, but after he handled the biggest physical threat with magic assistance, I just felt less tension. I kinda hoped the magic was a placebo effect and he was just going to let his cunning with the mirrors take over.
It was fine as it was, just left me a bit disappointed and made Tobias feel TOO untouchable, even if he still gets absolutely thrashed later on. It was a small gripe, but one that did effect my perspective for the rest of the book, which is why it loses a half star for me personally. At the end of he day, the outcome would have been the same, it’s just how we got there. (I understand why the teleportation was used, as it set up Tobeila’s escape, but still.)
OKAY. Parting thoughts. Really frickin fun read. I couldn’t put it down, and hope to hear Nick Denton return the sequel. I’m an absolute slam purchase, and I highly recommend this epic tale.
4.5/5
Long live the Cyborg Queen
- W.M. Wassmann
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Please be aware, this book is not for everyone.
TW: violence, unwanted groping. Overall So, this book reminds me of a couple of things. One of them being The Hunger Games. Men enter in this Sovereign’s Tournament to marry The Savior. They basically have to kill each other or die during challenges, which reminds me of Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire. Overall, I really liked reading this violent story. Unfortunately, all the little “twists” at the end weren’t surprising. I guessed all of them early on in the book. That’s the main reason why this book isn’t getting a higher rating. I like Jenna Moreci’s writing, for the most part. I’ll definitely pick up The Savior’s Sisters when it comes out. I’d love to reread this story from Leila’s point of view. I just really hate the terminology she used. There were times that I could have sworn this book was written by a man. This book was an easy book to read. I followed along with the audiobook. I can’t stay focused right now to save my life when it comes to fantasy. Please be aware, this book is not for everyone. Characters Leila: She’s by far the best character in this book. She’s a character with many secrets and she’s does a lot of things she should not be doing in this competition. I love that she can stand up for herself when she needs to. Tobias: He’s kind of obnoxious. There are times where he doesn’t stick up for Leila, in fear that the other competitors would find out that he’s not really there to win The Savior’s heart. He’s the only one of the group who entered the tournament with intentions that did not involve The Savior, but his family. For that, I do like him. The Other Competitors: They are all pigs. I realize they were all put in this book with the intention that they’re going to die anyway. So why not make them the most dumb and disgusting group of men ever? The Challenges I love that not all of the challenges were violent. I feel like Jenna got really creative with adding challenges without violence. Some of the challenges reminded me of Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire. The labyrinth reminds me of the maze so much. There are so many things that can happen in the labyrinth. It’s insane. Definitely some of my favorite “gruesome” scenes happened in there. The Romance The romance fell kind of flat for me. I feel like I need more time with Tobias and Leila. I think that their romance will bloom in the next book after The Savior’s Sister. I’m hoping their romance will bloom. I’m also really hoping that we’ll get more of their romance. Who knows? They might be too busy trying to save their lives.
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- Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2019
- Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2018
Top reviews from other countries
- Jeff SladeReviewed in Canada on April 24, 2018
If you're a fan of fantasy, or just good writing in general, don't miss this book.
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in the United Kingdom on April 24, 2018
Best book for 2018!
- Laura G FotografiaReviewed in Italy on October 14, 2020
I loved this book. I finished reading it in 2 days because I couldn't put it down.
-
Marine CReviewed in France on July 17, 2018
Un des meilleurs livre jamais écrits !
