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!