Golden Son

Middle book syndrome? I don't think so. Golden Son smashes that notion into smithereens in what is a stunningly told tale of intricacy and depth. Full of political intrigue, heart pounding action and moral questioning around the impact of war and revolution. How far would you or I be willing to go to break the chains of injustice? The plot writhes around like a snake in the throes of death, jerking your heart one way and tearing it back again in the opposite direction. Jaw dropping revelation after revelation leaves you breathless and begging for a break.

Friendships are shattered, betrayal is rife and you never quite know who to trust. What I do know is that my heart is fully allied to Darrow and his relentless pursuit to tear down the corrupt world around him. His striving towards justice and equality for everyone, not just those at the top, resonate so strongly with me as this same battle is sadly echoed in our own society. I palpably felt the weight of responsibility crushing Darrow as he is asked to make impossible choice after choice. What price will he and all those around him ultimately pay and will it be worth it?

The book saves the biggest, baddest, most gut wrenching bombshell right until the end. It's a perfect twist in the context of the story; an absolute jaw dropper that left me stunned and reeling. The twist wants you to hate it, it almost dares you to walk away from this world saying no I can't take this anymore, I've been through enough. But you see, it's cleverer than that. For after a brief period of wanting to run and protect yourself, something else happens. Your mind starts to turn to the next book and you realise that in fact the revelations demand you to continue. You have to see this to the end and not give up - just like Darrow. There's only one way to combat a twist like that and it's to dive straight into Morning Star and continue the fight. Bring it on!