OBSESSED

Published 2023 by Red Tower Books

Format: audio (via Libby) and print (purchased)

Soundtrack: I Can Do It With a Broken Heart by Taylor Swift

Do you need another review of this book? No, but it’s Friday, and this one has been sitting in drafts for a while, and  I am finally ready to share. 

A quick story: In 2023, I bought three books: one audio and two ebooks. The audio and one of the ebooks were the same book purchased after I had read it: Fourth Wing.

My first read of this book transported me to a land full of dragons, magic, and impending conflict. Then Yarros threw in a romance subplot, secondary characters who touched my heart, and a cliffhanger ending. Through my Reddit rabbit hole, I discovered Bookstagram, fan art and my now favorite place on the internet 

Violet Sorrengail brings out the inner warrior in us all through her refusal to follow the rules, her impeccable work ethic (anyone else crave her fitness routine), and her unfading loyalty to her friends. I enjoyed the depth of her relationships, from her classmates to her sister. Additionally, I relished her using her chronic illness (ehlers-danlos or extreme joint laxity) to her advantage. 

Rebecca Soler’s narration is so incredible that I did not realize she was voicing the whole thing solo at first.  She captures each character so well that I hear their voices in my head just reading these quotes. Throw in a Teddy Hamilton surprise, and this narration is top-notch

This book reminded of two favorite fantasy reads where there are enemies to lovers vibes and the payoff is delicious: Heartless Hunter and Court of Mist and Furry

I read this book twice in one week because I could not stop obsessing over the dragons, the kinship, and the enemies of lovers. While nursing my book hangover, I did what all logical people do and bought the ebook to read it all over again immediately. I stayed until 2 a.m. to finish my second read (rational, right?).
While this book may not be groundbreaking, I found it incredibly entertaining; sometimes, you just need a distraction from real life. I will likely reread it at some point and hope to listen to the graphic audio