There’s a lot of good to be said about this book.

Despite it taking a bit to pick up, it’s written nicely and really introduces you to the world (or worlds, actually) well. The world and storyline feel really unique and I absolutely LOVE the way technology and magic are combined -it feels flawless, somehow.

Then, as much as you’re reading two pov’s, it doesn’t so much feel like you’re reading two writing styles -two authors. A few times it did feel like the Nimh I read from North’s pov didn’t quite match (and the other way around too), which was a bit off-putting, but otherwise it all fit well together.

I think though -as much as I love authors working together- that this book would’ve been better off being just one pov -North’s probably, as to learn about the Below with him and strengthen the quest to get back up.

It probably also would have allowed for more feelings, for that to take more space, because when Nimh said (near the end) “The boy I gave my heart to.” my response wasn’t kicking feet as it should’ve been, but ‘uh, what?? Since when??’ because sadly, I did not feel -any of it. Friends, sure, that far they’d come, but the love she’s implying really wasn’t there for me.

Lastly, I do think the book was too long, a bit. At first it was really nice to have lots of information woven well into a set up for the story, but then it kept moving slow and only near 3/4th does it really get going.

Curious to see what will happen in the next book -if I can find a copy of it, that is.