Maria

The beginning and end had some interesting plot points. The middle had a lull. This type of romance was not really to my taste, and there are a lot of darker moments. The ending gives me hope that things are setting up to be a bit more interesting and I can see some potential for the story, so I'll try book 2 and see how it goes. Since this is an indie author, I am hoping the second book will be an improvement in craft and story.

I enjoyed seeing our characters progress and grow and getting to understand the deeper lore in the world building. Excited to see where the final book goes!

The story was pitched to me as the Bachelor meets Bridgerton, which is accurate. I didn't realize this was a duology. Not sure if if I will continue anytime soon though.

A lot of good quotes in here. I'm angry at a decision the author made with a certain character. Pissed at a character's decision at the end of the book, but I think it can set up some interesting threads for the next book.

I appreciated the poetic lens of looking at how life began and evolved and incorporating human history into the mix.