Book Review – Ariadnis by Josh Martin

Back then I thought that if it weren’t for that cliff, our cities would be one and there would be no need for all this fierceness toward each other. But then I learned about pride and tradition and prophecy, and those things are harder than rock.

Joomia and Aula are Chosen. They will never be normal. They can never be free.

On the last island on Erthe, Chosen Ones are destined to enter Ariadnis on the day they turn eighteen. There, they must undertake a mysterious and deadly challenge. For Joomia and Aula, this means competing against each other, to end the war that has seethed between their cities for nine generations.

As the day draws nearer, all thoughts are on the trial ahead. There’s no space for friendship. No time for love. However much the girls might crave them.

But how you prepare for a task you know nothing certain about? Nothing, except that you must win, at whatever cost, or lose everything.

My rating:

It took me a little while to get into Ariadnis – I think the map and world building at the start is a little hard to get your head round. But when you do – wow!

I really like the whole concept from early on and when I got into the setting it just raced past. I like the focus on the competing societies, and what you learn about why they were set up. I also really like all the main characters!

The magic and the different focuses of the two societies was fab too. My favourite character was Joomia. I found her really relatable and I always like people who find strength when they need it. I do really like the whole thing between her and Aula as well, I’m super keen to see what happens next there!

I also really liked the backstory we get for Ashir, Abe, Etain, Taurus, Mathilde and Nadrik as well. It really helped tie it all together. And lead to a super creepy but excellent finale!

Buy Arianis from Amazon UK (affiliate link)