The quick cut: A sixteen year old runs from home to compete in the Guardian's tournament and become the next Guardian of the magical scroll of Heaven.
A real review:
Thank you to Wednesday Books for providing the arc for an honest review.
There are a few roles in life that are difficult to achieve, but come with great responsibility and rewards. For sixteen year old Jun, that role is one he's willing to do anything for.
At a young age, Jun's life was changed forever when his family was split in half: his twin brother and Mom went to training as a Breathmarked while his father and him were banished. Since then, they've only had each other as they make ends meet. When the Guardian's tournament comes up and provides an opportunity to bring something good to his family, he's excited to compete. However, his father forbids him from doing so. Can he win the tournament? Or will it be more dangerous than expected?
This novel does an excellent job of creating a unique world while using story elements we've seen before. There are plenty of deadly competition books out there, but this one stands out. The family dynamic, along with Jun's desire to prove himself, adds a personal twist to this plot type.
Jun feels like he needs to prove himself due to the past. He's very aware that his pride and wounded ego is what got his family split apart in the first place. Unfortunately, he still hasn't learned that sometimes doing things for the wrong reasons only digs the hole deeper. Seeing him live with the consequences and how he reacts to those is a significant element to his character development.
I did at moments find it difficult to keep track of what was happening. The competition itself was well placed, but the aftermath seemingly went at a breakneck pace. It left me feeling a significant amount of reader's whiplash.
A fun competition fantasy with plenty of character focus added.
My rating: 4.25 out of 5
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