A Bloody Battle

* I am aware of the situation with this book and that this copy will not be the final copy to address these issues*

First off, I would like to thank NetGalley for the glitch that allowed me to read this book because it is fantastic. It reminded me of Hunger Games and Red Queen with just enough of an Anastasia story to it.
I don't see why people had issues with this book or why some people say that it is racist and distasteful. I'd read this over Throne of Glass any day.

I loved Ramson, and I think he was the best character because he is a character you can root for. Since Ramson wants to be redeemed but does not want to be redeemed or thinks he is worthy of it. Ana is a sweet little monster that will have people rooting for her from the first to last page.

May *sigh* talk about a Hunger Games moment all I could think of was Rue because they are both children and both die for a cause with the older person they look up to being unable to save them. Talk about a tug on the heartstrings.

I loved the different Affinities and the lengths the people will go to keep it hidden. Honestly, I think the world was perfect and an excellent reflection on the world today. Probably why some people could not like it because it forces them to see the world as it is: a cruel, horrible place full of despicable people and some people that are trying to do right through questionable means.

The only thing I would change in the book would be to clarify a couple of scenes like the beginning of the book. I read it as Ana was a prisoner, not her walking freely through the prison and following the guard she bribed with coins. Also, a clarification on what the money looks like because for the goldleaves I imagined currency shaped like leaves that were gold, but I don't think that is the case. Finally, how they entered the palace was unclear to me because at first I thought it was a cave and then the further I read it I started to think they were climbing straight up in a hole except all of a sudden there is a door and they enter it like they were standing the whole time. If those got clarified it would be a five-star book in my opinion.

I only have one more thing to say, and that is that those people that had issues with the book and ruined it for the rest of us, "Shame on you, it is a story, and that is the way the story was supposed to be written. It is what happens in Ana's and Ramson's world if you do not like it then you should have kept your mouth shut and let those that understand that enjoy a masterpiece."

Thank you and apologizes if I offended anyone I just don't like people that pull sh*t like that.
4.5 stars