Book Review: Candidate by Rachel E. Carter

 

Candidate by Rachel E. Carter

Okay, I want to keep this short and sweet because I don’t want to spoil anything!

BUT THIS WAS MY FAVORITE SO FAR! Oh my goodness! The drama, stakes and action are absolutely sky high in Candidate! This, the third book focuses on Ryiah and her training, and journey as she reaches for her dream of becoming THE Black Mage. Ryiah works so hard and is facing new heartaches, promising promotions and so many new experiences, including being a part of Jerar’s royal family!  Ryiah has been so focused on her personal goals and Darren though that she almost misses the worst thing happening right under her nose, the start of a rebellion. The enemy lurks and draws closer to overthrowing the kingdom of Jerar, but only when tragedy strikes does she get a closer look and starts to see that there are more than two sides to the war which is about to break out.

This book is full of action, which is why I loved it so much. Rachel has a true talent for writing fighting scenes that are believable and are at the same, easy to follow along with. She continued to make me feel as if I were right there with Ryiah in the arena fighting with my magic! The training and competition for becoming the Black Mage is so interesting, entertaining and, although it feels a bit reminiscent of The Hunger Games, it stands on it’s on. Which is another thing I am really impressed with. Rachel is in a HUGELY popular genre and somehow manages to outshine the other fantasy//dystopian stories for me. I may have to petition her for an interview! ;)

Recommended age:

13+

On to the ratings!

Stars..

0 = None 10 = Tons

THE FEELS:

So many feels! This book seemed to be way more emotional than the first two. There were several times where I was gasping and shouting at the book. LOL! I was happy and very sad at a lot of things and that doesn’t happen often with me while reading!

9/10

Violence:

There is a ton of good classic battle-style fighting! If you're into it like myself you'll appreciate the realistic feel. If you're not keen on fighting and realistic fighting and gore then this book isn't for you.

9/10

Sexual content:

Talk of potions for preventing pregnancy are present in a scene where Ryiah and Darren are making out, but nothing further.

4/10

Crude language:

Very mild.

2/10

Other elements/comments:

Like I said, a ton of violence. Blood, death and fighting.

Overall:

Over all I loved this book! It’s the best book I've read in a while and I can’t wait to read book 4!

10/10

Xoxo

- Sarah