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!

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.

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.

Had a hard time getting into this one because I felt like it was telling more than showing, and nothing was hooking me to keep going.

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

So much packed into so short a time. I absolutely loved the prose, the structure, the metaphors, everything.

This 500 page novel flew by. The characters were compelling, and the plot was well-paced and emotionally devastating. The ending has me ready to continue to the next book immediately!