I really enjoyed this book! It’s very fantastical and the characters grow and move the plot along. The romance is a light focus of the story but well-built—I was always rooting for them!

Good writing and easy to read and follow along. The author lays out information well so you can try to puzzle things together as you read, which is something I love to do. 

Great world-building in the sense that you learn and see the world as needed. There wasn’t an unnecessary dumping of descriptions at any point. I was glued to my e-reader the whole time!

I love Elsbeth’s relationship with her monster. He’s grouchy, old, and sassy, and speaks in riddles often. We watch her grow and find heart and soul (literally) from the story around her. Although the violence in this story can be a bit much for those adverse to blood and gore. 

I was a little disappointed that the monster is not the lover (hahahaa), but this enemies-to-lover setup works well. 

-.25 stars because I want just a little more from the romance/relationship depth. But highly recommend because it’s fun to put things together as you’re reading. 

Can’t wait to read the second book!