April

Not gonna lie, this one just didn’t click for me.

The author was clearly trying to say something real about mental health, but the FMC’s internal monologue was on repeat basically the whole book - same struggles, over and over, until I was kind of over it. Meanwhile the MMC barely showed up? Like he was an afterthought. We’re told their relationship grew but I genuinely couldn’t tell you how, because it didn’t feel like it on the page. Didn’t even really read like a romance to me.

Honestly relieved it was short, because I don’t think I had it in me for more of her head. And the Taylor Swift comparisons had me cringing every time.

The constant stream of the characters getting outmaneuvered made this one a slower burn, but it stuck the landing - especially in the final stretch. Loved that the villains were strong women with real menace to them, and the character motivations held up throughout. A very good close to the series overall.

Not my favorite of the series - this one felt slower than the others and like nothing was really happening. The frustration wasn't with how the characters were written so much as everyone just lacking a backbone and seeming unaware of what was going on around them. Hoping the last book picks up the pace and makes up for it.

Another solid entry in the series. The conclusion was a little predictable, but with these HEA books that’s kind of expected going in. Keris and Zarrah’s growth throughout was a highlight, and between the dangerous adventure and the pacing, there wasn’t a dull moment.

That ending came out of nowhere - didn't see it coming at all. Lots of political intrigue and solid action. Can't wait to get to the fourth book!

Also.... who the freak is Zarrah's father?! And why is Petra so obsessed with him?!

A really solid second book — lots of adventure and action, and the close calls felt earned rather than plot-convenient, which made the tension land. The ending left me a little unfulfilled, but I think that's just the nature of a parallel duology structure rather than a flaw in the book itself. Happy with it overall - great characters with believable flaws and a world that mostly held together.