4/5 Stars
*Slight Spoilers*
Magic doesn’t exist in the broken city of Lkossa anymore, especially for girls like sixteen-year-old Koffi. Indentured to the notorious Night Zoo, she cares for its fearsome and magical creatures to pay off her family’s debts and secure their eventual freedom. But the night her loved ones’ own safety is threatened by the Zoo’s cruel master, Koffi unleashes a power she doesn’t fully understand–and the consequences are dire. As the second son of a decorated hero, Ekon is all but destined to become a Son of the Six–an elite warrior–and uphold a family legacy. But on the night of his final rite of passage, a fire upends his plans. In its midst, Ekon not only encounters the Shetani–a vicious monster that has plagued the city and his nightmares for nearly a century–but a curious girl who seems to have the power to ward off the beast. Koffi’s power ultimately saves Ekon’s life, but his choice to let her flee dooms his hopes of becoming a warrior.
This book was so intense, I wanted both main characters to succeed in their plan but one winning meant the other lost so I was on the edge of my seat throughout the book. It was very well written especially the magic system and Koffi's magical powers which I loved reading and I loved the romance between Koffi and Ekon. I was sad at Ekon's betrayal but I understood where he was coming from and why he did it even though I hated reading the scene.
I love the twist with the Shetani, that it was a cursed girl who didn't want to live like that and that she wasn't the one doing the killing. As her killing Ekon's father was the reason he wanted to hunt her so the twists changed everything and I didn't know where it was going to go which I loved so much.
I also loved the familial relationships in the book between Koffi and her mother and Ekon and his brother.
Overall this was a very well written fantasy and I can't wait to read the second book.
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