Even though the main plot is always gripping and left you curious to solve the mystery of the witch-killing plague, with brilliant plot twists that are always surprising but also perfectly fits with the rest of the narrative, The Ones We Burn is, at its core, a character-driven story: told from Ranka’s point of view, it’s sustained by all the four main characters equally (Percy is definitely my favorite, and I’m sure many will adore him as well), and as a matter of fact the plot itself is something deeply connected with the characters, not just a series of events they live through. And there is something extraordinary in the way, with a perfect balance of adorable (and quieter) scenes between Ranka, Aramis, Galen and Percy, and more active ones that move the story forward, this book is ultimately the story of how these four grown-up kids found a safe place in each other among the madness of their lives. It’s found family dynamic at its best, truly.

Thanks to Hodder&Stoughton and Netgalley UK for providing an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.Mix: While Percy was the most fun to write, the answer is actually Galen, the crown prince Ranka is sent to kill because she (falsely) believes he’s her enemy. I’ve always had an immense soft spot for him. You’re a blood-witch,” Ranka breathed. “I... I thought I was the only one left. Where have you been? I have so many questions; I thought I was alone—I thought—” I saw another reviewer say that this society isn’t meant to be viewed necessarily through a racial lens, and I tend to agree. I don’t say that to discount the negative impact that stereotypes can still have in fiction, I just want to clarify that much like Samantha Shannon’s Priory of the Orange Tree, I don’t think that race is meant to be a societal signifier in Mix’s world. The nobility are a variety of races (and I believe Galen and Amaris are biracial), the witches are a variety of races. If there is a more oppressed group, that may be some of the witches because their powers are feared, but again, that doesn’t fall along racial lines. We should strive towards creating an environment where everyone feels safe enough to call out injustice when they see it – whether its microaggressions in everyday interactions or discriminatory policies at work or school – so that people feel empowered enough to report discrimination whenever they experience it. Holding organizations accountable is also essential when it comes to eradicating persistent prejudice since many times they are responsible for creating or perpetuating racist systems through their policies or practices. By doing this we can ensure that privilege is not abused while making a point that discrimination will not be tolerated in any form within our society. Rebuilding Structures for Equality update: I'm being annoying online again; if you can link me to Any Jewish Person who has 1) read this book and 2) found it antisemitic, I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to hear from them. Mostly I am just seeing people who are like "the majority of Jewish people found this offensive" and I think this is untrue. I Am Being Genuine, Please Link Me, I Feel Like I Am Going Insane.

When a girl has an entire goodreads shelf dedicated to witches, you can safely assume she likes them.Idk what race she is but guess what? She actually read some (possibly all?) of the book!! Already ahead of THE MAJORITY OF REVIEWERS ON THIS BOOK. 10/10 points. And she presents actual facts and logic??? 100/10. I personally do not 1 star books I haven't read more than 50% of. I rarely 1 star or 2 star if I didn't finish. I do not believe in rating what you didn't read. I don't think it's helpful at ALL in determining the quality of the book. However, I don't control you. For the romance, STEP ASIDE MISCOMMUNICATION, here we have, to quote Percy, “ the commutation skills of a dead fish.” I mean, why would you need to communicate at all? Why talk to your girlfriend? The girlfriend you kind of betrayed? Ranka’s vision swam. After everything she’d fought for, here she was again—weaponless, terrified, alone. The Ones We Burn is a richly woven standalone fantasy that's as beautiful as it is fierce. From its spectacularly crafted world of witches and horrifying monsters, to the most tender character arcs and a fabulous love story, Rebecca Mix has solidified her place as YA fantasy's new auto-buy author”- Adalyn Grace, author of Belladonna