Rating: 4 out of 5.

This is a fast-paced YA Dystopian SciFi/Fantasy centered around Imogene Sol, a cadet at The Ring Academy on Serta. She is an orphan of notorious parents who killed hundreds of thousands of people in a bombing against the Federation. Supported by an anonymous benefactor, Imogene is hated by most people because of her name, and she’s had to work twice as hard as everyone to be successful. As she enters the final trials that will dictate not only her first placement out of the academy, but her entire future, obstacles are put in her way to ensure she fails. When she’s framed for an act that could not only see her future career in jeopardy, but imprison her for life, she has to figure out who is out to get her and stop them. Before they stop her. Permanently.

I listened to this book and the narrator did a fantastic job. The story is nothing new, but I enjoyed the various trials that Imogene had to endure. She doesn’t trust easily, but realizes that she has no choice but to trust the one boy she secretly had a crush on and saw as one of her biggest rivals. I can understand why she wasn’t sure who to trust, if anyone, but liked that she gave herself a moment or two where she let her guard down and let herself feel. The book is exciting and keeps you guessing. If you’re looking for a quick and easy YA Fantasy with dark academia vibes, this is a must read.

I received a complimentary audio copy of this book from Kate Rock Book Tours. All opinions are my own.