This was incredibly confusing to read. I had a really hard time following the plot and couldn’t connect with any of the characters. I ended up DNFing at 13%.

Sadly this just didn't do it for me. I adore phoenixes and have a phoenix tattoo but I just didn't gel with this so DNF'd sadly.

i really enjoyed reading this book, the characters were great and I really enjoyed the story itself. I was sad when I finished reading it and wanted more in this story.

This was an interesting story and I really wanted to like it, but unfortunately I found that I had to force myself to finish.

This book has an ambitious scope. I found it interesting, but, I couldn’t get past the extreme sexualization of 12 year olds. It just felt kind of strange. They had adult relationships with each other (almost) but then were so childish in other ways. It just felt really incongruous.

The queerness of this was not what I expected. Men would talk of their husbands with no love or interest in their voices. It felt like they were more business partners than lovers. The love just didn’t feel believable.

Thanks so much to the publisher and netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I wanted to love this book, it had all the elements I love, but, it just fell a little short.

I was really pulled into this story where the character's world is shrouded in an atmosphere of ignorance. I kind of liked having the world being revealed to me as the characters learned, it made the story immersive as I was just as in the dark as the characters were. I'm looking forward to reading more in the strangely intriguing series.

*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by NetGalley*

After reading the description for the book I wasn't sure if I would enjoy it, however, it intrigued me enough that I gave it a go. I'm really glad I did as the story was well written and progressed well with a few twists and turns to keep you on your toes. The sexuality in the story might not be to everyone tastes and if you are a bit traditional in your views you may not appreciate that aspect of the story. Having said that it's done tastefully done and not gratuitous. The story follows a group of boys who have been isolated by the adults and have to fend for themselves. It's an enjoyable story that I would recommend and I am looking forward to seeing the following book.

The story was interesting. The characters were somewhat relatable. The plot had some good points. But I had to push myself at some points.