*Please note, I was provided an ARC copy by the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.*

I think I knew I was in love with this world within about the first three chapters. And every subsequent chapter just reinforced the fact. It's dark, dangerous and full of deceit, with a fast paced, heart-pounding plot and characters that jump off the page. The only reason I didn't finish this in a single sitting was because I was desperate for sleep last night, but I had to force myself to put this down!

The story starts with a bang, and never really lets up. There are a couple of quieter moments sprinkled throughout, but even within those the tension (whether surrounding the overall plot or the sexual chemistry between the characters) is being ramped up. You spend the entire book almost feeling like one of the characters, constantly on edge and waiting for the next shock to come from the shadows. While there is a lot of violence throughout - not surprising when the main plot device feels akin to a darker Triwizard Tournament (but better), or a Hunger Games for adults - the descriptions are really well done to walk that line between graphic and yet not horrific. Likewise, you follow the characters in never really being wholly comfortable in the environment. With elements of magic, time travel and unseen threats, as well as the people you know who actually are out to get you, it doesn't give you the same jump scare as a horror book might, but it certainly keeps you on your toes!

I loved the attitude of our MMC, Hector. Confident almost to the point of recklessness, snarky and just the right amount of bloodlust! And yet the character has been given such depth and nuance, with various moments of vulnerability and emotion that make him fascinating to read. As with all of this author's books (or at least, the ones I've read and have seen advertised), the book is led by LGBTQ+ characters, and while this is made abundantly clear almost immediately (seriously, may as well be big pink flashing neon signs!), even if it wasn't the relationship development is just gorgeous. And I have to admit, watching a male and female lead working together and knowing it won't turn romantic feels really refreshing! The relationship between Hector and Romy is feisty and a bit of a battle of wills, and is so much fun to read. 

Some of the secondary characters feel a little familiar - it may be because I've just done my Fourth Wing reread, but there is one character who definitely has a whiff of Jack f*****g Barlowe about them - but if they do have such traits it only helped me sink further into the story because I already felt comfortable with the idea of who these people were. 

Although the magic system is not explained in huge amounts of detail, it's still really easy to pick up and follow. As a result, the world coalesces really easily in your mind, and you're not left with confusion or questions about how things work. It's just a book that picks you up and carries you along without your brain having to do too much work to keep up. 

There is only one reason this book doesn't get the full five stars, and it's trivial yet important. The blurb of the book and the marketing almost give too much away. I went in already having a rough idea of what to expect, so when the build up in the book ran contrary to that belief, the climax should have been a great twist/reveal/shock. And if you're picking this up cold, it will be (or, at least, if you guess what's going to happen you'll get a sense of satisfaction out of it). But some of the bits and pieces I've seen went further than just a 'rough idea' and so reduced the effect. I absolutely understand wanting to market the book and engage people's interest, but it's a shame that it could be at the expense of the impact of the storyline. 

Seriously though, if you like MM dark magical fantasy, go and buy this when it comes out!