Crier's War: An Epic Sapphic Fantasy of Revolution, Love, and Betrayal in a World of Automae and Humans (Crier's War, 1) Paperback – August 11, 2020

I love this book so much. I read this in about three days after buying it, if that doesn't tell you the chokehold this book had on me. For those who have seen Arcane, it reminds me so much of Vi and Caitlyn but with an even slower burn. I haven't read a good slow burn in a very long time, and this was perfect! At first, I was a bit skeptical, but as I read more and more, it captured me. In some scenes, I felt as though I could picture what was going on around the character, and I love when an author does that. Especially with certain moments that were so tense and uncomfortable with such uncertainty, I did not know what to expect. As for the ending, I was clutching my PEARLS! I immediately bought the second book and will be recommending this book to everyone interested!

this was so good. i kept forgetting they were only 16, the characters were so mature. everyone’s relationships are complex and amazing. read this!!!

The thing about queer sf/f is that the gems come in all shapes and sizes. Crier's War is no different, coming in with a quiet start that quickly expands into something delicate and elaborate.The people, places and politics of this world feel lived in in a way that fits it perfectly. Automated perfection on one side just emphasises the messiness of personhood and humanity on the other.It's set up as a romance, but it also brgs the question of what it means to be real and to treat others as people. It's a well-trod road but one that's well done here all the same.

I loved this book! It sparked my interest right off the bat and held my attention all the way through. I need to read the next one ASAP! I really enjoyed the slow burn, and the relationships as a whole.

I wanted to read a fantasy book with which I could feel excited about the story and with characters that I could identify with, I found so much more in this book I loved each page now I will read the next one because I need to know what will happen!!!!!

I loved this book so much. The slow burn, the passion, the flashbacks, the detailing of the world. It was every trope I love to read all wrapped up into one badass book. also amazing gay representation without making it a whole thing where it's strange or weird or a coming out story. Its hard to find love stories where being gay in the book isn't a coming out story or the main character is ashamed.

I enjoyed the world of this book a lot—it's an interesting mix of medieval-ish fantasy and almost steampunk that's very unique while still containing a lot of the best qualities of both genres. I also appreciated the spying aspect, though this is a rare book where I feel some more time could have been spent with the exposition as I don't really know who the Councilmen and Nobles are and how the Court is claiming to be aligned so that the spying can dig up meaningful secrets.It seems a little harsh to say, but I could take or leave the romance. It's fairly well done (and gets better as the book goes on) but the early stages of their relationship relies a little too heavily on ~the mysterious draw~ and ~confusing, unnamed emotions~ and not enough on a genuine connection that it tangible to the reader. It's hard to get a sense of why these characters are falling in love other than because the author wants them to. It's a nice relationship, but I'm not as invested as I should be for something that markets itself on Romance.My real problem with this novel is the convenience of the plot. Every place they go does hold an important answer and they find it every time. Lines and leads appear at the precise right moment despite the characters operating with limited information, a lot of confusion, and severely compromised emotional states. Conversations and relationships are restricted to only what is immediately relevant to the plot. It makes the characters feel more two-dimensional than they are, which is tragic because they are lovely characters, and makes the plot more predictable than I would think the author wants it to be.

This was like your mom promising you McDonald's and getting you the healthy meal with apple slices and milk,not even chocolate. I loved the idea,great plot. However,it felt rushed and I needed more details and a slower burn from the love interests.