I appreciated what this book was trying to do, but I feel like it didn’t quite succeed in it. Combining a journey with a bit of a slow burn seems like a good idea on paper until the start feels very slow and jarring and the end way too quick and textureless. So, my problems were mainly with pacing, especially in the end. I remember T. Kingfisher said this book will be less romance and more adventure, but I needed more from the ending, texture, time, and feelings instead of a quick monologues and acrion. I did love the characters though, and delving deeper into this fantasy land and it’s customs and ways. The romance was also fun, BUT! After the slow burn how dare the author fade to black TWICE! 😭 very unsatisfying. Even with the issues, I still enjoyed Kingfisher’s writing but I’m cautious in my expectations for the next book in the series.