April

This was an good start to a series (duology?), even if some parts were predictable (and I slumped pretty significantly mid-book … like my reading pace halved). I say predictable, but only because of Riftborne and Duskborne. If I hadn’t read those first, I would have not connected any dots at all. That being said, I do agree with everyone else’s sentiments that reading those two books before this one is a wise choice.

Thatcher being Aether was definitely something I figured out very early on in the book (I’m talking like 13% in and I had it figured out). It didn’t feel like this was supposed to be a big secret with the hints the authors were dropping, but the ending kinda seemed like it was supposed to be a big reveal? Either way, the reveal wasn’t surprising.

Thais having this strong willed personality throughout the entire book and then just … flatlining at the very end didn’t make much sense to me. Her entire character arc made me think that when this happened, she’d be even *stronger*, not become weak and despondent. I hope it doesn’t take long into the second book for her to get that back.

Also, fuck Nyvora. Genuinely can’t wait until she gets hers.

The last 10% of this book pushed my 2.5 rating to a 3 and is the only reason why I want to read the second book.

I felt like there was way too much emphasis on her (desire? lust? high school-like crush?) for the MMC - who I intensely dislike, btw.

Honestly, I’m reading the second book because I want to learn more about Aether.

I need the next book, immediately.

Another great book in the series. Immediately buying #4!

Definitely a good start to the series. I loved the mystery and tension, and of course the classic Catherine Cowles twist! Dex was a smidge too perfect, in my opinion but that could just be me. I felt like we didn’t get to really know him very well compared to Brae, which of course makes sense given the plot.