Silviya

Slightly above 3 ⭐️ but not enough to be 3.5

The problem with high expectations is that it's not enough to simply enjoy something. You need to enjoy it as much as you anticipated. And let's face it, that's damn near impossible.

This book was one of my most anticipated new releases for 2023.

Did I enjoy reading it? Absolutely! There's a lot to like about it.
1. World building and atmosphere - I think this was the book's biggest asset. The author has crafted a very beautiful and cosy (if slightly gruesome) world.
2. Characters - The cast was colorful, sometimes literally (you'll see when you read Inara's pov chapters), interesting and likeable. I had a lot of fun following them around.
3. Quest - I loved the quest aspect of this story. It was nicely done with some good downtime and teamwork, with picturesque and interesting locations.

I really enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to continuing with the series.

But there are a few things this book lacks.
1. Depth - There were many things in this book that felt unfinished. As though I was reading an abridged version of the story. From some of the vague world building and back story, to a few barely there plot lines and character motivations. Speaking of which...
2. Weak character motivation - Some of the characters had either weak, or undeveloped, or outright nonsensical motivation to be where they were or to be doing what they did.For example, the 3 old ladies' reason for going to Blenraden made no sense whatsoever. So you mean to tell me that 3 old women would risk a dangerous illegal journey, to go beg peaceful death from a bunch of unreliable gods that might be super hostile?? No good poisons in this vast magical world? Come on... Or Arren turning on the gods, specifically the ones that helped them. It made no sense to do this, considering he accepted their help initially. I'm not saying it's impossible for him to have done that, I'm saying it was not developed enough to be believable.
3. Continuity and grammar - this is not a big minus as there wasn't anything too egregious. Just a few grammatical errors and at least one instance where a character, in their thoughts, referred to a stranger by her name, before they knew it.
4. Writing style - the author seems to have a slight inclination towards opting for fancy sentences that walk the line of not making sense. Though, to be fair, considering this is her first published book, there is room to grow, just like with every author.

I honestly think this book would've benefited by being (maybe even more than) slightly longer. Though I do understand the appeal of a shorter fantasy book. So, I can't be mad.

All that being said, should you read this book? Yes! Because despite its shortcomings, it is interesting and a great first book for this author. It's also fun and I believe most people will enjoy it quite a bit.

3.5 ⭐️

This was so much fun!
Mostly because of the Louisiana setting and the supporting characters. Big Dady Jake and the rest of the population of Bowen were hilarious. The coach misunderstanding had me laughing out loud.
I did love the mystery too - the villain pov chapters were some of my favorite!
I also liked the love interest - I think he is one of the few fictional men I could actually find attractive.

What I didn't much like was what I usually seem to dislike in Julie Garwood's books - the female protagonist. She has the tendency to write supposedly smart strong women, who turn into bumbling fools at the sight of an attractive men. I mean, I get it, we can all get a bit flustered around an attractive person, but the extent to which she gets the women in her books to act like clowns is damn right frustrating.

Other than that, I loved everything about the story and recommend!

This is a second re-read for me and I kinda want to start reading it again right away. Still the best first book in series ever.

World building, characters, plot and writing are exquisite! This book is an absolute masterpiece and the most 5-stariest 5 star I have ever read!

If this series never gets completed, it wouldn't matter one bit. I would be happy to re-read the already published books till my last day.