DNF @ 57%
Thank you so much to Harlequin, Libro.fm, and Netgalley for providing advanced copies of this book! All thoughts and opinions are still my own.

In one of the saddest surprises of 2024, I dnf'd one of my most anticipated books of the entire year... I've been desperate for this book since I first read this synopsis and was so lucky to be sent not only an e-arc, but a physical arc, and audiobook as well.

Unfortunately it just wasn't what I had expected.

This opens up with one of my new favorite quotes of all time

“What if I told you that the feeling we call love is actually the feeling of metaphysical recognition, when your soul remembers someone from a previous life?”

and I thought for sure it would be a 5 star read.

But this book wasn't the epic romance I was hoping for. It felt more literary fiction meets fantasy with unlikable MCs and dysfunctional, toxic relationships.

And I was 57% of the way in and I still wasn't certain who the romance element was between...

I just felt like there was so much time spent in superfluous details that slowed the book way down. There were parts of each story I really enjoyed, but I never felt connected to the story or characters.

I think there was a lot well done in this book - the writing is beautiful, the cultural integrations and discussions of identity through time, the QUEERNESS, and the end of each section leaves you wanting more from that POV.

But it wasn't the epic fantasy romance it pitched itself to be.

I've also heard from some reviewers that this does not actually end in a HEA. I obviously didn't complete the book so I can't confirm or deny that. But it's worth noting before picking this up.

This is definitely an author I want to give another read in the future. I thought the casual queerness and sexuality was wonderful, his writing gorgeous, and themes and plot extremely unique. So while this specific book didn't work for me, he's definitely an author I will be keeping my eye on.