The God Queen (Rebirth: Book One)

Characters

Of the many characters in this book, my favourites were definitely Rei, Bronx, and Arram.
Although Rei’s allies vary in personality and ability, she and these two young men stood out most.

I could relate to Rei on a personal level: she’s not comfortable with being paraded around or focusing too intently on stereotypical girly things. She’s willful and determined to do what she thinks is right, despite not always playing by her superior’s rules. I was rooting for her all the way through and found her to be a brave and genuine person, that could be cunning when needed.

Bronx was my second favourite character, not least because of his relatable issues with opening up to others, and pushing people away to protect them. He has to deal with some pretty dark memories and is stubborn, often pushing even Rei away, to keep her safe. Bronx was one of the most human characters and this made me feel more drawn to him. His growing relationship with Rei amused me. They always ended up annoying each-other, despite it not being on purpose. The immediate bond that grows between them was well-executed and often had me smiling.

Initially, I didn’t like Arram. Now, looking back, I feel I judged him too quickly. If first impressions can be deceiving, then that was certainly the case with him. At first, I thought Arram was your typical spoiled, snobby rich kid, because that’s how he presents himself to Rei. He showed a lot of contempt for others and seemed to think himself above most people.

However, as the story progressed, this façade gradually melted away. I realized that Arram, like Bronx, often pushed others away as a protective mechanism. Arram was far more complex than I’d initially thought, having carried secrets all his life that led to him being branded, and hunted. He begins to open up to others during the second half of the story, serving as an excellent example of a transformed character.