3.5/5⭐️

I may be a little too generous with this rating as I had some major issues with parts of the book, specifically the writing. However, I still enjoyed it and finished this book in 3 days.

For a book coined as “gothic”, it wasn’t actually as gothic as I’d hoped it would be. Some of the vibes were off and I was kinda disappointed. And that could be due to the style of writing. Some parts the prose felt bland and devoid of any character, and sadly that impacted the way I saw the world and even some major events felt muted and anticlimactic.

World building could use some work but I liked the magic system, the providence cards and most of the main cast were likeable, although some (Jespyr and even at times Elm) felt like background characters with no personality. Also kinda hated the part where Ravyn’s family members all acted like 12 year olds blushing and giggling at the breakfast table after our main cast got it on the night before? And he was ok with it? Huh? Aren’t you adults? This was so unexpected and in the worst way possible. It took me out of the story. It literally did not need to be in this book. Please consider removing this entire useless and childish segment that almost ruined the entire book.

Nightmare is by far my favourite part of this entire story, and it’s not even close.

Do I recommend this? Yes. I think most will enjoy this book. It’s definitely one of the better romantasy/romance fantasy (idk the difference y’all) I’ve read.