Books like The Gender War

If you haven't read the first three books, it would be best to not read this review, as things might get spoiled. Don't say I didn't warn you! 4.5 stars! tw: death, bombings, derogatory comments towards women (often challenged but not always)This series just keeps getting better and better, even though I rated this particular book lower then the first 3 (three). In 2016, I was a little liberal with my 5 (five) stars. I just gave them out all willy nilly. Well not anymore. This book was great but it didn't warrant 5 (five) stars. It wasn't anything in particular that made the rating lower, I just felt that since this was called The Gender War, that there would be a little more war. This was more about the resistance and the beginnings of potential war. In this book, we have 2 (two) first person POVs, Violet and Viggo. They are trying to prevent a war between Matrus and Patrus, all while basically just trying to survive and figure out their relationship. I know that is vague but giving away anymore will spoil the book. I loved Viggo's POV. I always thought he was bit too alpha male but during his POV, I discovered he was just afraid and covered that by being over the top alpha. Luckily, Violet puts him in his place several times when he acts like that. One of the things I enjoyed immesnly about this book is the development of Viggo's and Violet's relationship. Viggo had never thought he could love so deeply again after losing his wife. It was beautiful to see him care so much for Violet and it was amazing to see Violet accept that love. She slowly started to realize she is worthy of love by Viggo and her friends. No longer is she the closed off violent ice queen but a loving sister, girlfriend and leader of the revolution. This book also brought up a great point about war. How necessary is it? In the resistance group, Violet and Viggo are trying to stop a war but there are some members that believe the war should happen. This definitely makes you think about war and the cost of it. This book also brought up another excellent point. Violet discovers that her home country of Matrus isn't as great as she thought. Well, it wasn't all that great but she still held pride in being a Matrius woman. She often had to deal with the fact that her countrywomen wanting her dead. That is a rough thing to deal with. I experienced that the day my country decided that a gross old man with no political history, who is also a racist and sexist, was the best person to be President. It suck knowing that and trying to come to terms with it. Overall, this is such a great series. Violet and Viggo are amazing in every way and I ship them so hard. I can't wait to continue with this series as soon as I go home (where I conveniently left the rest of them). If you enjoy the Hunger Games, this is the book series for you!