First, I want to thank Isa for sending me an ARC and including me in the ARC discord group. I am throughly enjoying my time there! And despite being connected with the author I will still give my genuine review. Taking into consideration I received an early arc, I am obviously not going to hold some of the errors against my review. 

I don't really like to prescribe to the star rating because everyone's system is different - so I just go on how the book makes me feel. I gave the book 5 stars because ultimately I really enjoyed it. Was the prose without fault? No. Was there some plot points that left me wanting more clarity or development? Yes. But did I love it regardless? ABSOLUTELY. (Edit: I CLEARLY MORE THAN JUST ENJOYED IT CAUSE I KEEP THINKING ABOUT IT) 

This is a dark academia story that, in my opinion, is mainly character driven. Both characters Rory and Teddy are well developed over the course of the book and there is a lot more we still have to learn about them (& I really really need to know!) 

There is a "murder mystery" plot line but to me that wasn't the main point of the book. It is the academic-rivals-to-lovers-slow-burn-pining-goodness with magic thrown in the mix that is the star of the show. The mystery of who's after them is purely a push into them developing a relationship past their rivalry and also growing as individuals. 

The prose is extremely illustrative and metaphoric which I very much enjoy.

(Edit: I don’t know what my past self was smoking when i said parts might have been overdone - i keep thinking about the prose. It was FAN-FREAKING-tastic. So I deleted that regrettable line!!)

Overall it was lovely prose! I highlighted a lot of good quotes in my copy. I would include some here but I really want you to read this book for yourself and find them. 

Overall I just FELT this book. It is a book that lingers after you are finished...and their story is most certainly not finished. 

Semi-spoiler: If you like Howl, you will like Teddy. Broody-blunt-grumpy-magic boy, ftw.