Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Choosing by Laurisa Brandt is the second book in the dystopian Birthright of Scars series, preceded by book one, Rising. In a world characterized by stone-spun apparel and maglev-powered motorcycles, Disrel hides his identity as the Tourmaline Renegade, fighting against Howler terrorists and corrupt officials, all while Ambrosia, a sharpshooter, considers deserting her position under a sadistic queen's rule. However, even after stealing the keys to the imperial regime's murder machine, Disrel struggles to protect the Pyron people from widespread slaughter and imprisonment, making it increasingly difficult to keep his true identity a secret from those he loves. Meanwhile, Ambrosia finds herself torn between her duty to hunt down the Renegade and her growing realization of his heroism, as well as her deepening feelings for him. As their world spirals into chaos, Disrel's secrets and Ambrosia's divided loyalties pose a dangerous threat, forcing them both to question whether the price of freedom and a future of uncertainties is worth the risk and potential despair.

The excitement of Choosing by Laurisa Brandt kicks off immediately and I almost leaped from my seat when Ambrosia has to keep her cool in front of Cinnabar after destroying evidence. That tension! There is so much emotion threading through the story, from loss and regret coming from Tygo to Disrel's vulnerability when he is physically exposed. The world-building is exceptional and, as far as genre fare goes in the combination of character arcs and plot drivers, the themes are pretty universal, and so they are relatable. I love strong femme protagonists and, as a 'girl dad,' the Birthright of Scars series is what I would like to see in the hands of my older teenage daughter. The unfairness of Brandt's world and the desire to make it better transcends the page, even if the cost is personal. How does a reader not get choked up when Disrel convinces himself he is not good enough and then pushes it too far by thinking it is what's best for someone else? For me, it was a “This is so beautiful but make it stop!” scene. Overall, Choosing is a fast-paced, well-written, and emotionally engaging work and even though I am a reader 'of a certain age,' I'm a fan. Very highly recommended.