Rating: 4

Format: Physical book

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Okay, I get the hype - This really captured the addictive quality that early 2010’s YA fantasy had. Nothing crazy or super original as far as the world-building or magic system goes, but what it lacked in those elements it made up for in the characterization and relationship building between Rune and Gideon. They both had such understandable and strong motivations. I appreciate that Rune and Gideon felt equally matched in their individual skill sets - they were both in the wrong and both hurt each other BUT both had reasons to feel drawn to one another and build that emotional connection.

This book has the bones to have a really interesting conversation around how women are treated within their society and I would’ve liked to have seen Ciccarelli go deeper with those themes and ideas. The continual push from other characters towards Gideon to get Rune undressed/sleep with her so he could check her body for silver scars that would give her away as a witch felt VERY weird and uncomfortable every time it happened. I think in general that element of the book was underdeveloped and the exploitative nature of forcing witches to strip so their bodies could be checked could have been explored much more. There is a lot to be said there that relates to the way women’s bodies are being policed today. I would’ve liked to have seen Rune and other witches reflect on how those types of marginalization impacted them. 

Overall, this was fun and addictive to read and I’m looking forward to the second book.