Taylor

I know better than to pick up a book that is the first in a series without a release date for the next book at least already out there. But I did it anyway, and as soon as I finished this book I was ITCHING for the next.

It was a bit of a slow start, but the world is fantastically unique and unexpected. And Schneider does a great job of walking you through it vs. just dropping you in to a complex world and magic system. But here's the thing... THE. ENDING. The last few chapters were just unexpected plot twist after unexpected plot twist. Right when you just start to decide whether the characters are good guys or not? Just don't even commit to a side until you get to the very end because you will be wrong.

Cannot WAIT for the next book in the series.

I picked this book up after a long bender on some really complex book series and, honestly, I just was hoping it would be something new to read to break things up. I did not expect this book to literally grab me by the throat and drag me in within the first 100 pages. To be fair, though, I did start it, read the first two chapters, and then abandoned it for about a month. I didn't think I'd end up finishing it let alone devouring it.

The characters are ridiculous, in the most lovable way possible, though it does at times border on cringey. But the dialogue alone kept me completely hooked. By the end I caught myself laughing out loud at the exchanges between the characters.

This is definitely more of a 3.75 star read, but I have to give Maehrer major props for taking a (hilariously and occasionally cringey) TikTok bit and turning it into a complex world. It's been a long time since I've laughed at a book and this series had me giggling the whole time. It's light, it's fun, it's cute, and it's well written. Couldn't ask for anything better than that. And the ending? Had me running to the store to get the next two books in the series.

This book had my jaw on the floor. It was fast paced and introduced you to the magic system and world quickly, but wasn't overwhelming. I almost literally could not put it down - it's the best book I've read so far this year. The characters are complex and immensely lovable. Just no notes, would give this a million stars if I could. It's going to be ages before I read another book this stunning again.

I had such high expectations for this book. Started off so strong and then it was just... disappointing? I read the maidens before this and it was a much better book. Still an easy and interesting read just ultimately did not meet expectations.