I loved the pace of this one! I cannot believe it took me so long to finally pick it up (although I am glad in a way as I can start the second right away!).

I read the first 50 pages and wasn’t immediately taken by it so didn’t pick it up again for a few days. However, once I did I literally didn’t put it down and read the rest in one sitting! 

It was such a unique story- after so long of reading fantasy you get used to the general themes. This was something as of yet unseen by myself- the magic system was new and the cards and their lore invigorating.

Of course, the tropes of enemies to lovers, found family, uniquely powerful FMC were there and those were predictable enough- but very enjoyed all the same 😂

We love Ravyn and Emory - I hope Ravyn finds his way back to Elspeth soon. I guess I’ll find out this evening when I read the next so …

What a captivating story! I loved the card component and it's similarities/differences to Tarot. I found the characters loveable/hateable as appropriate in the story. I loved the slow build romance but it wasn't the main focus of the book (not much spice). The magic was intriguing and I was so interested in the Nightmare. He gave Cheshire cat vibes which is my JAM. There were a few spots where descriptions were odd to me and there's a spoiler that I foun  obvious and discovered in chapter 3 that the main character didn't discover until chapter 22 so I grew a little impatient waiting for her to put the pieces together. Overall I was obsessed and read most of this in one day. I am eagerly awaiting the sequel! 

This book really surprised me and exceeded my expectations! I tend to avoid first person perspective novels as I often find myself frustrated when trapped inside the mind of one person (even worse when they are annoying and I despise them), but I LOVED Elspeth! The banter between her and the Nightmare was so interesting and I loved how deeply rooted all the characters were with the magic system and history.

There was a whole portion of the book where I read 100 pages straight and didn’t even realize it, looking down at the page number and just absolutely baffled by how hypnotized and sucked into this book I had been.

So many complex characters to try and pick apart, Elm and Emory ended up becoming huge soft spots for me and unlikely favorites. Elm may not the nicest guy in the world, but man is he complex and interesting! The only thing preventing this from being a full 5 stars was Ravyn, as my feelings for him were a bit muddled and hard to place for most of the novel, I was frustrated that I wasn’t liking him as much as I should be. I can’t place my finger on what it is, I’m guessing it may be how quickly he transforms from bad guy to good. I do like him, I was just disappointed that I wasn’t head over heels for him like I usually am (I’m weak for dark and brooding boys okay). These feelings towards him did not take away my interest from the plot at all, and I still actively rooted for him throughout the book, as well as for his relationship with Elspeth. I love those two together, pairings where the big powerful and scary guy becomes whipped and so soft and in love will always be god-tier.


Rachel really knows how to make an atmosphere, the writing was beautiful but not excessive or pretentious, it was just right to leave a lasting and immersive impression without slowing the plot. This is such a strong first novel and the consistency of it from its first page to its last really has me hopeful that the other books in the series will only continue to be as interesting, fast-paced, heart racing, and immersive!

If you want a quick and easy to read dark fantasy with high stakes, interesting characters, and unique world-building, I could not recommend this novel enough!

What a horribly cruel cliffhanger ending!!!

I recommend waiting until the series is complete tbh.

The magic system is fascinating & the lore is intriguing. It’s like a dark and twisted fairytale full of riddles & rhymes. An epic quest full of shock & horror and a sprinkle of slow-burn romance.

It’s not FTB but the spice is mild. 

Idk if this is categorized as a romance, but unless there’s an HEA- I might trash it in my fury & rage! I am REELING after that ending!! Toddler tantrum level 3000!!!

Caveat emptor. Buyer beware.