A little late to the party here, but the way I absolutely DEVOURED this book. I started this in the airport, almost missed the announcement for my plane because I was so absorbed in it, and then I was ~almost~ upset to see my friends because it meant I couldn’t finish this book 😅. 

Incredible. The writing is beautifully descriptive and I felt like I was really there in the novel. Saeris is my favorite kind of FMC - stabby, badass, take no shiz character who yes wants the man but also refuses to just cave to what he demands. I loved her disbelief at everything she got dragged into and the way she stood up for herself and what was important to her consistently. 

Kingfisher is a wonderfully complex character with a sketchy past and more bonds than should be healthy for one person. While there were times I wanted to smack him upside the head, his grumpy character was endearing as the layers started to peel away and reveal more of him, and honestly Saeris took care of the smacks anyway 😂.

I found the side characters to be hilarious and a good addition to the story - I was invested in them, but didn’t feel like they took away from the plot, and loved how their levels of importance changed throughout. 

The story itself is a classic battle and lovers tale and I enjoyed it. The complexity of the bonds and alchemy made for some interesting twists, and I didn’t expect the fallout of the ending. 

Highly recommend if you’re a fantasy/ romantasy lover!