"Fourth Wing meets The Atlas Six in this epic fantasy set in an elite university, where four students test their mettle to become part of an elite order of dragon riders." - Well, this sounded like something I was very curious to read!

The fantasy world of the novel is rich and it took some concentration to keep it all in my mind; there are a lot of political and religious worldbuilding, which creates a solid base for a series. But I was more interested about the young characters, starting their path in Eshtem University, and how their destinies are braided together.

Youth are allowed to study there as equals, regardless of their backround; so there are a young prince Jadon and princess Christina from the rival House of his, as well as more regular people Diar and Jenne. All that matters is their ability to learn and master the wished skills - and a small mistake in wrong place may cause them expelled. Jenne, which has lost her memory before arriving to the university, still notices how the teaching masters differ the nobles.

Everyone wish to be accepted to the special elite of Order; to become dragon-riding, magic-wielding peacekeepers. But is there really true honor in the Order, or has the corruption found it´s way in this ancient institute?

Enjoyed reading this book, full of suspicious wondering, mysteries, friendship and a bit of romance. Maybe a bit of slowly build start for the series, but an interesting one. Recommending it for friends of epic fantasy and dragons!

NetGalley & Angry Robot, thank you for the gifted eARC!

3.5/5 - rounded up to 4 for the review!

Thank you so much for providing me with an arc copy of this book - I knew from the blurb alone that this would be something of great interest to me and I'm happy to say it definitely still is! I cant wait to pick up a copy of this book and read the finalised physical copy, would love to see some special editions of this too considering how beautiful the original cover is!

Onto the book itself;
I thoroughly enjoyed the worldbuilding we see in this book, in general, a college/university setting and places similar are some of my absolute favourites - the familiarity of schools mixed with the presence of the dragons was super exciting to me and also comfortable and easy to settle into at the same time.

I did find that initially I found it pretty hard to settle into the story and found myself a little bit lost in new names/places etc. for the first few chapters as everything gets thrown at you a little too fast but once you're able to get to grips with all the names and everything happening, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read!

Super excited to see the possibility of future books - I would really like to see these characters again!!

Before I begin, I need to give a few disclaimers. I received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for honest feedback, and I went into the book with a negative perception because the book was labelled as being perfect for readers who loved *Fourth Wing.*

I did not like *Fourth Wing,* to the extent that I couldn’t finish the one chapter Amazon ebook sample. Meaning I literally could not get through the first chapter.

So, you can see why that comparison would not make a good first impression. Probably a good reason to ask why I would have read it and agreed to give feedback. I’ve been toying with the idea of a fantasy/magic university setting, based on actual medieval universities and scholastic guilds, so I always try to keep tabs on what other fantasy writers are doing with the idea.

And, in the interest of transparency, I struggled with the beginning of *The Ellyrian Code*. There was too much jumping between point-of-view characters (and too many of them to jump between) without spending enough time establishing their identity. It took me until close to halfway through the book to realize who was who. Now, apparently this books is either a sequel or companion to B.F. Peterson’s earlier book, *The Land Beyond the Waste*, and I hadn’t realized there were connected books. I found an interview where she mentions that *The Land Beyond the Waste* developed from a book she wrote earlier (which seems to be *The Ellyrian Code)* regarding the founding of an order of dragon riders. So I guess the other book is sort of a prequel that got published first?

So, probably up to you to decide which one you want to read first.

Anyway, I did end up really liking the plot of this book, once the novel began to focus in on it. There are tropes that are pretty standard in magic academy books— different houses that are highly competitive rivals, an end of the year competitive tournament, and a secret group of rule breakers responding to incredibly rigid rules. Despite all of that, I felt like they were included because people expected them to be there, rather than because the story necessarily needed them?

The description doesn’t really capture what I felt was the main story— Christina (mentioned in the summary) is alternately attacked and then protected by a former member of the Eshtem (the order that the university trains potential prospects for), who was expelled and declared an outlaw, only for him to face a summary execution by the order’s military general, despite his claims of innocence and shock that he had been tried *in absentia.* Christina feels guilty and uncomfortable about this, so she begins a clandestine quest to find out the truth. Who really was he? What was his crime? Could he have actually been innocent? Was this part of a cover-up by the Eshtem to hide something they had done wrong?

That was what felt like the main story line to me. And I really enjoyed it! It was fascinating and I loved trying to piece the evidence together to unravel it along with her. Unfortunately, only two of the point of view characters were even aware of this story line, and one only partially, so their respective chapters felt a little extraneous. The same with the other elements- like the tournament, secret society, and conflict between social classes felt a little unnecessary, especially since this university is essentially a paramilitary peacekeeping organization. Sort of like the Jedi, if they rode dragons, or a fantasy version of Starfleet.

Unfortunately, this primary story line only began to pick up about halfway through the book, hence my struggles at the beginning, since there wasn’t really a lot of momentum in the beginning. Stick with it though! I did and really enjoyed the second half of the book.

There was just enough intrigue and subterfuge to keep the tension ratcheting up, along with the mysterious events going on behind the scenes at the university, especially seeing the professors and faculty’s machinations to protect their secrets. Growing up, I heard lots of people criticize Harry Potter for being a bad role model, because he constantly breaks the rules and defies authority, even though there wasn’t really a reason for him to do that? In this one, it makes much sense, as the protagonists don’t know which professors can be trusted or not. I really appreciated that addition to the dynamic between student and staff.

Granted, some of the rules didn’t make a lot of sense, like curfew and uniforms. Granted, this is a pseudo military organization, which might account for it? And I think that was part of my confusion. Sometimes it felt like the students were adults in university, but other times, it felt like they were viewed as teenagers in high school. I don’t remember if any of their ages were explicitly listed, but I’m thinking probably around 20ish? The pettiness and cliques felt younger than that on occasion and a lot of the rivalries felt more like they belonged in high school.

I suspect that’s part of my problem with the worldbuilding and characterization— a lot of it ended up feeling like it doesn’t quite fit together all the way. Now, based on the interview that I found, this was probably the author’s first book. For a first book, I expect things to be a little rougher, so I won’t deduct anything for that. Despite all this, it’s a very strong first-written book. I especially appreciated how the dragons are thought out and appear into the story. I won’t give away too much, but this one really leans into the idea of dragons as being majestic and terrible.

Overall, I would recommend it for fantasy fans. It’s definitely not a fantasy/romance like *Fourth Wing,* if that’s what you’re looking for. The romance is a subplot at most, and nothing really happens there.

4/5 stars.

The Ellyrian Code is set within the halls of Eshtem University, an elite magical institution where students compete for the honor of joining the dragon-riding order of Edrei, the story introduces us to four central characters whose ambitions, secrets, and allegiances slowly intertwine against a backdrop of looming corruption.

The class system, based on noble houses like Blood, Gold, and War, hints at a complex sociopolitical world, though we are left largely to figure out how these systems work.

The multiple points of view offer breadth, but not always depth:

Diar, a conflicted noble Christian, stood out because his internal struggle felt the most emotionally grounded.
Jadon, the reckless prince, I think is the author’s favorite. While he occasionally shows strategic brilliance, he often comes off as more entitled than charismatic.
Christina annoyed me at first, but then I started liking her during the tournament.
Jenne, centered on her wiped memory, but she rarely questions her situation and it wasn’t even a focal point of the book.

This is very much a setup book. While the non-traditional structure is refreshing and avoids the usual fantasy clichés, the bulk of the novel feels like prologue to a larger series.
The real momentum doesn’t kick in until the final quarter, when stakes finally start to rise and characters begin to act rather than simply reflect or observe. For some, the payoff may come too late.

The Ellyrian Code - BF Peterson


I was very interested in reading this after absolutely loving The Land Beyond The Waste which is featured in the same world. I will preface this by saying that there is no real link to the previous novel, however it was nice to see some places, people and elements that were mentioned in the TLBTW be mentioned and expanded upon in The Ellyrian Code. I will also say that comparison to Atlas Six and Fourth Wing are mostly baseless and only really share a similar foundation.

This is a hugely ambitious, slow-paced, high fantasy that follows a set of characters from all different walks of life as they enrol into a magical academy. There is a huge theme of class and nobility within the academy setting and there is a lot of information and world building to take in originally that doesn’t get followed up on. The characters all have a very different tone of voice which meant following along with their individual stories was quite easy but I did find that we didn’t get too much depth with each character, just a surface level look at who they were and what their ambitions were. 

I do think there is a story to be told, I’m just think it is coming later and I will still read on to see if it comes as it is an enjoyable read, just not as enjoyable as I hoped it would be.

Thank you to Angry Robot Books for the early arc copy.

Thank you to Angry Robot and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

'The Ellyrian Code: The Treaty of Edriendor' is the first book in a new high fantasy series. Set in a world where all families belong to a faction, there is only one place where these ties are set aside: Esthem, the elite University that trains the Edrai. The Edrai are magic users and dragon tamers, sworn to uphold a strict ethical code. This book follows the perspectives of four first-year Esthem initiates from varying backgrounds as they navigate the school.

'The Ellyrian Code' is set on an interesting premise, and shows a lot of promise. In particular, character building is done quite well- despite following four perspectives, I thought all of the main character voices were distinct and easy to jump back and forth between. Unlike other books I've read with numerous perspectives, there was no one perspective that I liked more than the others (and conversely, none that I dreaded reading). Our two highborn main characters, Jadon and Christina, are the best written in my opinion. We get to see both have action outside of their schooling; Christina with a sub-plot where she is tries to track down the concealed identity of a rogue Edrai she witnessed the execution of at the beginning of the book, and Jadon with a sub-plot where he is tasked by his busy father with the political management of a town within their family's jurisdiction. The other two main characters, Diar (a lowborn merchant's son from a niche religion) and Jenne (an amnesiac who remembers nothing outside of her desire to become Edrai, but is concealing that fact from everyone else), have some character development throughout the story but feel less fleshed out overall. I expected Jenne to be more concerned about her missing memories, but the further the book goes on, the less we hear about her amnesia at all.

The main reason for my rating here is that this book feels a lot like a prologue in the way that it is setting up storylines and allegiances for future installments, rather than standing firmly on its own. Despite being central to the plot, I feel that by the end I still knew little about the magic system or dragons, and I was still left a little confused about how the world's overall political system worked. We do get some history lessons via the school lessons the characters are receiving.

I will be continuing with this series as I thought this introduction was solid, but based on this entry alone this feels like it might beconw a series best enjoyed by reading entries back-to-back.

The Ellyrian Code by B.F. Peterson won’t be for everyone—and that’s exactly what makes it so satisfying if it is for you. This isn’t a fast-paced, action-heavy read. It’s a slow-burn, character-driven tangle of political scheming, coded messages, and shifting loyalties that unfolds like a well-played chess match.

I’ll be honest: it took me a minute to settle into the rhythm. But once I did? I was hooked. Every conversation has weight. Every silence feels intentional. The world-building is immersive without info-dumping, and the tension builds not through explosions or chase scenes, but through glances, alliances, and the lingering question of who can actually be trusted.


If you love books like The Goblin Emperor, The Traitor Baru Cormorant, or even Dune (but with less sand and more secrets), this one’s for you. But if you’re looking for instant gratification or constant action, it might feel too slow. For me? The payoff was so worth it.

Peterson has crafted a world where the real power doesn’t lie in magic or brute strength—but in strategy, loyalty, and the right word whispered to the right person at the right time. Loved it.

2.75/3?
Think you’ve got what it takes to become an Edrei- elite dragon riders, sworn to protect and serve as magic weirding peacekeepers?
I would it didn’t take till 80% of the way through for any real developments and connections to be way.

Unfortunately this book wasn’t for me, it has such incredible elements but whilst talking to a friends, there’s no binding ingredient. There’s no connection or bridges to what could be excellent high fantasy components but without context and depth it overall felt confusing and lacking. Towards the last 20% things start to pull together but by this point I’ve spent so long making my guesses that I’m not sure I cared, and the plot lines I did find intriguing weren’t answered.

As we follow 4 main characters there’s 4 main plot lines but it really only felt like 3 as there was a lot of stop start where we don’t spend a lot of time engaged with each character. We go through the motions with them but there’s no depth or real connection to who they are, their motivations and actions outside of which ‘house’ they belong to.

For the world building, it felt very odd and jumpy. There were moments of big info dumps without providing any real in depth context to the history, politics, class division, houses and so on. The characters are from a variety of backgrounds and aforementioned Houses which are meant to be left at the door when they set this highly esteemed college. But it’s talked about constantly especially from the characters born of a ‘higher class’. With a high fantasy with heavy political world building, it could have had such a strong, poignant discussion around prejudice and marginalisation within an academic setting. And don’t get me started on one particular ‘God’ name?!

I ended up spending a lot of time making my own conclusion and trying to fill in the gaps with my own thoughts and guesses towards the characters and plot. The balance to achieve an incredible high fantasy with political intrigue and cast of rich characters just wasn’t there for me. I hope as the series continues it picks up those loose threads and provides more depth and context.

I was sent a copy of the book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review - all thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was advertised as Fourth Wing meets The Atlas Six, so dragons and dark academia. I think that this sets an expectation for the book that will leave people feeling a little let down. I will preface by saying I actually really enjoyed this book, its a good start to an epic fantasy story and I am very intrigued as to how the story will continue. That said, this very much felt like the introduction to the story, very little happened in terms of storyline and there was such minimal appearances of dragons that I wasn’t even sure this was going to be a story about dragon riders. There is so much more focus on crown and country and the economics of the world, and a bit of sluggish account of the main characters progressing through the first stages of becoming a member of the Order of the Edrei.

There is a significantly big cast of characters with 4 main POV’s, this meant I found it a little hard to keep track of who everyone was, or what their crown or country allegiances were, whilst this wasn’t supposed to be important once they entered Eshtem University it did mean I would find myself questioning this as interactions between characters were happening, as there was so much focus on the importance of which house someone was a part of. The class and status of each character was important but I felt this hard to keep track of and got a little muddled with different characters.

I can understand why the author chose the 4 POV characters, as their backgrounds differ and I imagine they will all progress into different areas of the magical world, but I think this contributed to the perhaps unnecessary length of the book considering the content of the plot and lack of real progression through the bigger storyline.

The world building was created in the form of learning about the history and magical system through the lectures and strategy challenges set out for the students, and whilst this isn’t a new concept I did feel that this worked in the context of the story, though it could be a little info dumpy at times. I felt that I could not dip in and out of this book and needed to dedicate time to sit down and read in larger intervals.

This being a 500 page book, sold as magic, fantasy and dragons I really did expect more action within the plot line. The dragons only made 3 appearances throughout, but it was clear as dragons weren’t supposed to be talked about by non-Edrei and the students were all studying to become Edrei that at least for this first book the dragons would not be making a significant impact to the story yet. Though I can imagine as the students progress and become members of the elite Order of Edrei, Dragons will make a more pivotal role in the plot line, its clear at least one member of the main cast will likely become a dragon rider as we had a glimpse of a connection between them and an out of sight dragon.

I ended up rating this as 4 stars, because I did genuinely enjoy the story, and I am intrigued as to where it will progress to, though I think this perhaps could have been cut down to a shorter book one in the series and still end up where we were by the end of the last page.

3.5/5
Thank you, Angry Robot, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. It really was a great start to a series that I hope keeps growing and getting better with time.
These are the things I loved about this book. Political, Magic system, Dragons, Morally Grey, different types of characters. The world building was my favorite out of these though. I thought that world building was on par with other well-established books on the market today.
This book has so much potential for a great series. I think this was a book to set up a future for the next books. Fantasy can be a tricky genre to complete a series because a first book can help or hurt a full series. With that, I think that this book set up the series well enough that I will continue reading the next books.
The academic environment was a bit weird to understand because everyone should be elite in this institution. That is not the case. This is the top school in this world and yet didn’t feel like it at times.
The character work was, I think, what drove this book but not always in a great way. At times the characters that you want to hear about were nowhere to be seen for chapters on end. It’s also difficult because this story had to have a plot and while the characters you don’t hear from much are main characters, they don’t fit into the plot as well in this first book.
This book has potential, but I feel that saying this book is like 2 other popular books will lose its steam when people actually read this book. I do not think this book should be compared to another because it could set it up for failure.
Could be a great book. Could be an awesome series. Let’s see where the author takes us.

What a great story! It’s what Fourth Wing tried to be! I loved most of the characters, although Jenne and her attitude annoyed me.
The opening hooked me in and the way the plots and povs wove together was great. I really hope there’s more dragons in book 2.

While it was great, the world-building needed work - especially with the magic system and houses.
Some of the school classes were bogged down with politics that weren’t explained well.

But the story was exciting and it was fast-paced
I devoured this book and cannot wait for the next one!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for approving me to read this, I’m rating it 4.0 stars.

I want to start by saying the beginning of the book with our introductions to the core characters felt very impactful and I was locked in. I honestly quite like our characters although they are flawed in different ways. As the story moves along and we get our insights into the academy where you train to become an Edrei, the stakes seem to heighten. The trials and tribulations our characters face are tough and you definitely see a competitive nature win out.

The last few chapters had me on edge, and I’m excited for the next book to see new alliances forged and new enemies made or revealed. I feel like book 1 has been a great intro into the world and it’s characters, but book 2 is going to be dropping us into the thick of it and I can’t wait.

The Ellyrian Code was a fun read for me. I enjoyed the different POVs from the different first year students, but I think Christina and Jadon were my favourites.
The magic system isn't completely explained yet. However, I assume there will be more in the next books as the first years come into their magic and discover what they are.
There is definitely an overarching mystery that deepens over the course of the book. I will definitely be checking out the sequels.

A good story with an interesting magic system. High fantasy world of Ellyrian with the majority of the story set in and around Eshtem University, where any youth can apply to train to become an Edrei, but only if they make it through without expulsion. The story centres around four main characters - Jadon, Christina, Jenne, and Diar - and the story is told through all four POVs as they experience their first year at the university.

The different characters contribute to the story building, and each has different virtues and flaws. I enjoyed the overall story and will be interested in seeing where it goes in the sequels. I do enjoy multiple POV books, but I feel that there were maybe too many right from the start. It was difficult to follow the storyline, and I had to make a few attempts to understand where it was all going. A suggestion would be to not switch to a new POV until the original POV has met the next character, or title the chapters in such a way to make it more obvious, by including the name of the character's POV and potentially their location at the time of that chapter? Once the characters had started interacting, it was much easier to follow the multiple POVs. Because there are so many POVs, some of the characters are less well developed than others, so it was hard for me to connect with some of them. The same could be said for the different locations; there's no map included, and they're not described in enough detail for me, so it was hard to link them up or visualise how they're connected.

This high fantasy world also uses its own form of time measurement - counts - which took me a long time to equate to actual time (when it was described that a horse could cover 12 miles in less than a count, so at that point I started equating counts to hours) which helped a little with understanding the pacing of events better.

I disagree with this book's description of "Fourth Wing meets The Atlas Six" - yes there are mentioned of dragons and the potential for students to learn to work with dragons, but this is revealed to probably not happen until after the university when the students specialise, and only some of them will ever even get the chance, whereas in Fourth Wing the story focuses on the dragon rider faction of the school and they're riding dragons from their first year. Yes, the students are competing for places in the further years of the university but it is very different from the dark academia style of The Atlas Six, as in this book students can be expelled for collecting demerits for infractions as little as being late to class or getting the answer to a question wrong. I think this book would stand better without these comparisons.

For those looking for a read set in a high fantasy world, with a focus on politics and strategic relationships, school friendships, a hint of magic and dragons to come in future books, with little action and no romance other than a drunken kiss, then pick this book up. Once I stopped making the comparisons and enjoyed the book for what it was, it was a much easier read. I will pick up the sequels in the hope that the characters, magic system, and world get fleshed out further, and to see where the story around framed and banished Edrei and a potential coverup and larger scheme goes.

3.5 stars, thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC copy.

I had to DNF this book so I won’t leave reviews on any other platforms. I have tried on many occasions since getting this ARC to read it. I have read many fantasies but this one was all over the place. I really tried to love it but was just so confusing maybe in the future I will try again but for now it’s a no I’m sorry

B.F. Peterson's The Ellyrian Code is a compelling entry into the epic fantasy genre, skillfully blending the grandeur of a sprawling world with the intricate dynamics of a dark academia setting. While early comparisons to Fourth Wing might set certain expectations, this novel carves its own path, offering a more academic and politically dense experience that will particularly resonate with readers who appreciate depth over rapid-fire romance or action. I'm giving it four stars for its ambitious scope and engaging foundation.

The world-building in The Ellyrian Code is undeniably one of its strongest assets. Peterson has crafted a rich and immersive universe, complete with detailed historical, cultural, and political imagery that truly draws you in. The central setting, Eshtem University, is far more than just a backdrop; it's a vibrant, grueling institution where aspiring dragon-riding peacekeepers train, and the academic focus on ethics and philosophy is deeply woven into the narrative.I particularly enjoyed how the lectures in the school were portrayed; you truly learned the history and politics along with the characters, making it feel like you were right there in the class, which was a fantastic experience.

The story unfolds through multiple points of view, allowing for a nuanced exploration of the world's complex class structures and the burgeoning political intrigue. The four main protagonists, each from distinct backgrounds, navigate volatile house rivalries and the unsettling emergence of corruption within the very Order they aspire to join. While some characters might take a little time to fully connect with, their individual arcs and evolving relationships are compelling, particularly as they grapple with moral dilemmas and question their place in a flawed system.

It's important to note that The Ellyrian Code is a "slow burn".This is not a criticism, but rather an observation that it prioritizes intricate plot development and character psychology over a breakneck pace. Readers seeking a fantasy with less emphasis on romance and more on political machinations and ethical discourse will find this a refreshing change. While dragons are part of the premise, their role in this first installment is more of a mystery to be uncovered later, as the focus remains on the students' foundational training.

While the world-building is rich, some aspects of the magic system and the intricate House structure could benefit from further clarification, occasionally leaving a reader feeling a bit lost in the initial chapters.
However, this is a minor point in what is clearly designed to be the foundational book of a larger series, laying extensive groundwork for future installments.

Overall, The Ellyrian Code is a smart and satisfying read for those who enjoy intricate, character-driven fantasy with a strong academic and political core. If you're ready to immerse yourself in a world of complex ethics, societal structures, and unfolding conspiracies, and are eager to embark on a multi-book journey, this novel is a highly promising start.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Ellyrian Code by B.F. Peterson
💀 Emotional damage: 10/10
🩸 Morally grey men: Present and devastating
⚔️ Plot: So sharp I bled
🫠 Me: Not okay, thank you for asking

I got this as an ARC ---- AND I couldn’t be any luckier to have read this before the vast majority! Thank you Angry Robot!

You ever read a book that gently takes your hand, whispers “it’s safe here,” then absolutely eviscerates your emotional defenses and leaves you lying in the dirt whispering “thank you” like a feral goblin?

That’s The Ellyrian Code.

It starts as political fantasy—but then it grows teeth. And claws. And trauma.
This is a book for those of us who love:

• Scars that are earned, not explained

• Empires built on rotting power

• Protagonists who are exhausted and angry but still choose compassion

Secret touches, slow-burn tension, and a war cry so quiet it shakes a kingdom

Edrei? He’s my new patron saint of tragic men with sharp tongues and softer souls.
Christina? A revelation. The quiet rage, the strength she builds, the way she burns without apology? I saw myself in her.
And Jadon—that bastard. I was READY to hate him, and then he turned around and gave me character growth and conflicted loyalty and now I’m in hell, thanks.

But it’s not just about the pain—it’s about what the pain becomes.
Hope. Power. Choice. And yes, maybe even love.

This is the kind of fantasy that demands to be felt.
It doesn’t pander. It respects the reader. It makes you sit in the dark and wait for the light. And when it comes, it’s earned.

Also can we talk about the ✨political drama✨??
It was giving Game of Thrones without the misogyny.
Succession but make it dragons.
Schemes! Betrayals! Secret councils!
I was feral.

Final thoughts:
🩶 I would kill for Christina.
🔥 I would follow Edrei into war.
💔 I would let Jadon ruin me and I’m not proud of it.

Book two can’t come fast enough.
I need to know what happens. I need the aftermath. I need the healing, the vengeance, the kiss that has been building like thunderclouds for 400 pages.
And if B.F. Peterson hurts my faves in the sequel?
I’ll write a review with more screaming.

💥 Highly recommend if you love:

Morally grey men who hate themselves just enough
Women who choose to burn brighter instead of breaking
Slow burn tension so thick you could slice it with a dagger
Political fantasy that actually makes you feel things
Hidden softness buried under pain, betrayal, and war
BRB going to stare into the void and whisper “I didn’t know I needed this until it broke me.”

Unfortunately, this book didn’t do it for me. It sounds like it has all the things I usually love in a fantasy: dragons, magic, dark academy vibes. But trying to read it, the writing style fell flat for me and the characters didn’t do anything to keep me engaged. There were also some points that were repeated more than once but they didn’t add anything to the story - we are reminded over and over that class and house name don’t matter inside Eshtem, however it gets referred to too many times.

I really didn’t like this - it was just so confusing and I couldn’t relate to any of the characters!

3.5⭐ rounded up. Thank you NetGalley & Angry Robot for the ARC.

Given that it's compared to Fourth Wing in the synopsis, imagine a military academy but with far more explored and fleshed out politics, lesson scenes with thought-provoking discourse on ethics taking place, and a focus on building up the friendship before diving into a potentially rushed romance. Ellyrian Code has a lot of potential to be a future fave especially with such a promising ending that sets up the sequel: the arrogant, foolhardy Privileged Boy has gone through his character development and now strives to be a better person + the truth of the Covered Up Conspiracy unveiled by three students is about to explode into something bigger.

Given the youth of the characters, I will say that there are times when their immaturity and pettiness inevitably got on my nerves, but fortunately not enough of a complete turn off to make me dread reading their chapters. For the most part, even when the POV characters annoyed me, they have qualities and moments that I DO like, which makes them more well-rounded characters in my eyes. i.e. Jadon can come off pompous and oblivious to how insensitive his privileged comments are, but ultimately he is ignorant & not malicious, and tries to use what power he holds to be as compassionate as he can. Jenne's jealousy towards Christina over a boy of all things is eyeroll-worthy, but when it comes to a critical moment that required her help, she really pulled through. Her Eat-the-Rich mentality is so relatable as well, even if overzealous a few times.

Meanwhile, the other two POV characters Christina and Diar are easy for me to grow invested in and root for. The former makes a sincere attempt to unpack her privileged mindset and form friendships across class lines, while the latter is one of the most earnest characters in the book who just wants to do good. All four POV characters also have a solid sense of justice and morality, making them all at the very least palatable to consume, given that they are literally in military school which historically is a tool for imperialism. (If Ellyrian Code eventually unpacks how flawed that system is, I would be very impressed.)

I will say that the magic system could be better explained, because it still feels rather vague to me. But like the dragon aspect of the plot that's barely touched on, I figure that we as the reader are being introduced to these concepts the same way the students are: first-years don't touch anything dragon-related and the different types of magic till much later into their academic journey. Interesting narrative strategy, but I don't mind it.

This is very much a university story, even with the outlandish elements that are part and parcel of a fantasy. So if you're in the mood for lectures and Students Doing Student Things, this will be a fun ride. I certainly did overall.