The Rite of Radnick

Wow. What an unexpected but amazing read! This fantasy has so many twists that I was clutching my kindle needing to know what happened next. Loved the world building and the characters!

This amazing story has:
- [ ] Forced proximity
- [ ] Twists and surprising villains
- [ ] Corrupt society
- [ ] Trials
- [ ] Underdog who becomes the hero

Synopsis
Braya is one of the “Choosen”, meaning she will be put to sleep because she has the ability to harness the power that keeps their world alight. The problem is Braya does not want to be the Choosen, she wants to flee and see all the world has to offer. When the opportunity to leave presents itself, will she take it?

Loved the ending, the story was fast-paced, and the FMC was NOT whiny which are all wins in my eyes! I also loved the worldbuilding- this author does an amazing job of balancing the worldbuilding with the story and keeping the plot moving smoothly. Love that so much. The stakes are high in this one and there is magic! IMO, this is a classic high fantasy read that felt quick!

Dance of Thieves meets Fourth Wing meets Hunger Games meets From Blood and Ash, all of this but still very much its own story!

Tara O'Toole has incredible style of writing. Each line felt like a smooth wave of the ocean lapping against the shore. You're to busy admiring the waves to realize you're being pulled deeper into the tide until you are completely drowning in her all consuming words.

The Rite of Radnick is a dark romantic fantasy tale of class antagonism, social justice, religious manipulation, courage against all odds, and the concept of choice.

Braya was born as a "chosen" vessel for the Goddess Gaia's power. Her twenty one years of life has been nothing but preparation for the day she is presented the ultimate choice of Gaia's chosen: Sacrifice herself for the greater good of her people or banishment. For others like Braya, there is no choice to make. Their lives were never really theirs to begin with. Therefore, there is no hesitation when it comes to their sacrifice. However, Braya doesn't share the same sentiments. She has people she cares deeply for in her life which is a detrimental weakness in the eyes of the Sect. leaders overseeing all of Gaia's chosen. We see this heavily exploited throughout the book.

When it comes to Braya's choice, plans for everyone go awry. Her defiance lands her caged and desperate. Braya's desperation flails and her hope diminishes until an unsuspecting individual facilitates her escape. She is presented a bargain that requires her participation in the ritualistic game with the future ruling class of her country. As a "dreg" (low class) Braya holds no sympathy for the crowd of Apexes (ruling class) she finds herself mixed in with as she battles her way through a deadly competition. Justice is to be had, loved ones are to be saved and truths are to be kept hidden. That is, until everything changes and plots twist.

This was an unexpected, phenomenal, unputdownable read. The Rite of Radnick is part one of a duology set to be released in 2025. I, for one, am highly anticipating the conclusion of this high stakes fantasy!