Renee

This has been on my to-read list for a while, so perhaps part of my disappointment lies in the fact that I waited so long to actually read it, and the high hopes and expectations I had. The premise of the story immediately caught my attention, and likely does for many readers. The setting and vibes of this book are good. I did like the dynamics between the characters, though I felt it was kind of pointless as we didn't really get to know anyone beyond the surface level. I realize this is the start to a series and things could be fleshed out more later, but it didn't make me want to read book 2, because why do I care about any of these people. The pacing is slow in the beginning, with the action really only hitting at the nearly 40% mark. This unfortunately feels short lived, and by the end it kind of peters out, and things are "resolved" in such an unsatisfactory way with no real foreshadowing to anything. I didn't hate the book, and I might even be tempted down the line to get the second one from the library, but I feel like it was lukewarm at best and not a good sign for things to come.

I bought this eBook after seeing it in a unboxing video for Caffeine and Legends. I don't usually buy eBooks full price, especially from authors I am not familiar with but it was my birthday and I wanted to treat myself. I DEVOURED this book. It is so good! The characters, the worldbuilding, just everything. Best impulse purchase I've made probably ever. I haven't yet gotten my hands on the second book, but I am so hyped for it.