Hello Book Lovers!

I have been so mentally exhausted lately, how about you? Everyday life and adulting just seems to be this nagging chore that I can’t escape. That’s why I read so much, honestly. Speaking of which, it’s book review time!

Today I’m sharing my thoughts on Elysium (Sovereign #2) by AJ Whitney.

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the first book in this series (you can catch up at the link below), so I just had to dive back in. On to the book review!

Series Review Links

Book Review: Sovereign (Sovereign #1)

Blurb

What happens when you believe the wrong people?

For the first time in over 300 years, Harper’s village refused to sacrifice its Orphans to the almighty Sovereign—until the gods appeared and took the children by force.

Now, Harper and her friends find themselves in the underground city of Elysium that was only a few miles away the entire time.

And the Sovereign aren’t gods at all.

Harper and her friends must make a return to the surface for a few short years before succumbing to an inevitable illness, or stay in Elysium and help save humanity.

If only they knew that the villagers above have received a chilling new message from the Sovereign, and they will heed it with reckless abandon.

We took what was owed. Repent or pay the price.

GoodReads

Amazon

Bookshop.org

***Brief disclosure***

I am an Amazon and Bookshop.org affiliate and earn a tiny commission for purchases made through the links in this post at no cost to you. It’s a great way to help me keep things running on my blog if you’re already intrigued enough to make a purchase. 

The Review

I’m super happy with how this sequel turned out!

Being taken from everything they’ve ever known, Harper, Ava, and Matthew awaken to the underground world of Elysium. Adjusting to the modern antithesis of their humble lives is tough, but their newfound paths in life become even tougher when they discover darker secrets hidden underneath the city’s bright lights.

This novel was distinctly different from the first in the series in a refreshing way. We got to see Harper and her friends’ lives in a humbler sense above ground, but in Elysium they are allowed to push themselves to a higher standard of living and all that comes with it. This helped give all of the characters extra depth and struggles as they try to overcome their prior ways of thinking.

I also really liked the complication of Harper’s relationship with Matthew. It made sense given all they were dealing with. Oh, and the new characters Jing, Amari, and others were fun too.

The plot moved swiftly, just how I like it. There is a constant sense of mystery paired with thrills that made each chapter entertaining and easy to blaze through. If I had to nitpick at anything, I might’ve liked to see more of the mental transition to the Elysium mindset, but I’m really picking at straws here. This novel was fabulous and I can’t wait to read more!

That’s A Wrap!

Well that’s it for this book review. Like what you see? Leave a tip!

Have you read this book? Are there other similar books you’ve read that you simply have to gush about? Feel free to leave a comment. I’d love to start a conversation!

Have a great day!

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