Victory's Price

The mix felt seamless and added layers to the world-building. I'm curious whether this was a deliberate choice from the start or evolved during writing.

The characters' choices felt so raw and real, making me wonder how much of that was based on the author's own views on heroism and cost.

The story slowed down a bit midway, but it seemed to build toward the climax. Did others feel the same or wish for more action earlier?