Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (ALL THE STARS!!)

This book…this book is fucking magnificent. I’m literally in awe. People always say in their reviews “oh, this was definitely more plot based than character based” and vice versa but this book…it’s perfect. I can’t even get over what I’ve just read. The characters, the plot, the humour, just…everything. My god.

If you were to strip away all the action and mythology, and humour, you’ll get such an amazing female friendship that will reduce you to tears. A friendship between an immortal and a mortal, between a warrior and teenager from New York, who learn to trust each other and lean on each other and it’s SO BEAUTIFUL.

Alia is a Warbringer, which is exactly what it sounds like; anger and trouble follow Alia wherever she goes, whether it be petty arguments or fights more sinister. When she’s saved from a ship wreckage by Diana, she’s understandably reluctant to believe what she’s being told, and instead just goes along with Diana to humour her. But when faced with the possibility of another world war, Alia must stand side by side with Diana, before it’s too late.

I loved all the characters in Wonder Woman, all except one, who I had a hate-like-hate relationship (but who shall remain nameless because spoilers). But my god I fucking LOVED Diana and Alia. I loved reading about Diana learning about the mortal world, going from viewing them as a means to an end, to seeing them as the beautifully vibrant race they are.

I also loved Alia’s development. She goes from trying to be as inconspicuous as possible, to being unapologetically badass. She’s fucking wild (and she also has a fucking wild best friend, who we meet later on).

I’m so grateful to Leigh Bardugo for this gem of a book. I definitely recommend it, and I won’t be forgetting it in a hurry.