I loved this dark, gothic fantasy with a complex and twisty female main character. I love the unique magical structure that Rachel Gillig created - the world building is a breath of fresh air compared to the vague general "magical powers" that most fantasy novels employ. I enjoyed the fact that Gillig put so much effort into the fantasy part of this novel and built the complex relationships and unique aspects of each character such that the romance subplot felt genuine and realistic rather than forced. I appreciate how morally grey the characters are here - their motivations are real and complicated and multi-faceted, so no one feels one dimensional. This book builds with rapid speed to an incredible crescendo and I was so relieved that I already had the second book in the duology immediately accessible, because that ending! It was missing a little something from me in order to be a five star read but I really enjoyed it nonetheless. 

A dark fantasy with a card system for magic. It’s different and frankly refreshing. I couldn’t stop reading it.

4.5⭐️

K this book was a solid 4 stars for me until the last 50 pages BECAUSE THAT ENDING (WOWZA!) easily bumped it up to 4.5. I love it when authors aren’t afraid of switching up the dynamics of the characters. 

The reason it wasn’t a solid 5 stars is cause I felt the romance plot was a little rushed. I didn’t dislike it, but at the same time it was a smidge forced in my opinion. Needed a little more banter and build up rather than just obviously already secretly being in love with each other pretty much the whole time. Like even when he has a right to be mad at her for her keeping a rather big secret from him, he forgives her almost immediately before he’s even upset. There’s no fight for it. Idk, it was just too easy!!! 

But I kind of liked that the romance wasn’t the main focus of the book, there was way more important shit to focus on. 

As for stand out characters, man, I love “the Nightmare”. He’s just a crazy lil guy who loves word play. Go off, king! What an icon. Excited for more from this lil psychopath. 

Also, I truly love Elm. Why did Elm and Elspeth have more chemistry than her and Ravyn? Like, I felt like they even had more scenes together?! Ravyn trusted and loved her from the start, so I felt like the relationship didn’t build, BUT Elm is super wary of her and RIGHTFULLY SO and they have a fun bantery dynamic! IDK, I FEEL LIKE THERES POTENTIAL THERE. NO? JUST ME?! ok whatever. Anyways. Loved him. He’s great. 

Ione, I’m interested in seeing more from her. I feel like she’s a part of some grand sub plot. Excited for her potential. 

In conclusion… The world building, magic system, overall badassery and concept of this book is outstanding. It was so friggin cool. Loved it. If the author took a smidge more time building the relationships between the characters it would’ve been an easy 5 stars for me. 

Excited for BOOK 2! LETS GO GIRLS!

this was so good!!! best book i’ve read in a long time.

i’m excited to see what happens next with the nightmare and Elspeth. I know she’s still in there, but I wonder how long it will be to get her back in the next book

OBSESSED. WOW! I consumed this book in one sitting. This was such a fun story. The characters came alive in such a vivid way. It was all too easy to fall in love with them. The magic system was really unique and yet it called back to the hallmarks of classic fantasy. I needed this story more than I realized. Also, the romance was DELICIOUS.