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A review by booksandlemonsquash
Arena 13 by Joseph Delaney
3.0
Interesting, but reads as a really long introduction to the next book. I enjoyed it though, and may well pick up the next book.
I have to say that I thought this was middle grade, and honestly it sort of reads more like a young YA book - certainly in terms of violence!
I enjoyed the world building and the concept, and I really liked some of the history you learn of why the wheel and the arena are like they are. I’d like to know more about why they started at all though, and more about the world outside of the main city. Again, I think we’ll get that in the next book, and I’m really keen to see it. Especially with what Leif is planning to do at the end.
I found Hob to be a good villain/ monster but while he was scary, it didn’t feel properly real, even at the end. He feels a bit two dimensional, even through the haze of Leif’s anger.
Leif is quite good as a lead - I like his guts and determination. He also can be lead by his anger though which is a little frustrating, if understandable!
Overall, a pretty good read but nothing stellar. I do get the sense that it’s about to pick up a bit for book 2 though, and will be interested to see where it goes next.
I have to say that I thought this was middle grade, and honestly it sort of reads more like a young YA book - certainly in terms of violence!
I enjoyed the world building and the concept, and I really liked some of the history you learn of why the wheel and the arena are like they are. I’d like to know more about why they started at all though, and more about the world outside of the main city. Again, I think we’ll get that in the next book, and I’m really keen to see it. Especially with what Leif is planning to do at the end.
I found Hob to be a good villain/ monster but while he was scary, it didn’t feel properly real, even at the end. He feels a bit two dimensional, even through the haze of Leif’s anger.
Leif is quite good as a lead - I like his guts and determination. He also can be lead by his anger though which is a little frustrating, if understandable!
Overall, a pretty good read but nothing stellar. I do get the sense that it’s about to pick up a bit for book 2 though, and will be interested to see where it goes next.