Book Review: Crier's War by Nina Varela

Okay, apparently last month's review, Seafire, was lacking in the gayness people were expecting (not that I knew anybody was expecting that until after I read it, but whatever.) Well I found the gay ship. It's not pirates, but it's still great. Here you go.

After the War of Kinds ravaged the kingdom of Rabu, the Automae, Designed to be the playthings of royals, took over the estates of their owners and bent the human race to their will.

Now, Ayla, a human servant rising the ranks at the House of the Sovereign, dreams of avenging the death of her family… by killing the Sovereign’s daughter, Lady Crier. Crier, who was Made to be beautiful, to be flawless. And to take over the work of her father.

Crier had been preparing to do just that—to inherit her father’s rule over the land. But that was before she was betrothed to Scyre Kinok, who seems to have a thousand secrets. That was before she discovered her father isn’t as benevolent as she thought. That was before she met Ayla.

Review

I knew right away Crier's War was going to have a ton of things I like in a book. Awesome worldbuilding? Check. Political intrigue? Check. Creepy, cunning antagonist I love to hate? Check. LGBT+ representation? Check. Right from the first page Crier's War drags you into a fascinating world where Automae--artificially made beings, designed to be perfect in every way--rule over humans, and I couldn't get enough of the history and mechanics of it all. Seeing it from the perspectives of both noble Lady Crier and lowly human slave Ayla hit me in the face with all the horror and beauty at once, and I loved both leads. What begins as a simple plot for revenge becomes so much more complicated and kept me on edge trying to predict the twists and turns. And can we talk about the chemistry between Crier and Ayla? It was electric.

My one complaint is that the pacing dragged at places. I was dying for more action and suspense, which was so fantastically done. But this is only book one of a series, so I can be forgiving since there was so much to set up for what looks like a thrilling ride in the next book. I'm excited to see what comes next.

Final score: 4.5 stars

Decide for yourself - Buy Crier's War here!