Thoughts:

If you're into:

✅ Morally gray characters
✅ Fantasy
✅ Broken families
✅ Characters being framed for crimes they didn't commit
✅ Multiple POVs

Then I think this book for you!

💕Characters:

•The characters, especially the women were very well written, in my opinion. They may be kind and compassionate, but they aren't afraid to voice their opinions. Even when others dismiss them, they continue to stand their ground and speak up. At first, I found that a little frustrating, but it eventually became a breath of fresh air compared to the overly fragile female characters who immediately back down the moment a man tells them "no."

•I also wouldn't say the men in this book treat women badly. They're more overprotective than controlling or disrespectful, and personally... I actually don't mind that. In fact, I kind of liked it.

💗Pacing:

•The pacing is fairly slow with the chapters (being about 20 pages each) at the beginning and stays that way until about halfway through the book, where the action really starts to pick up. I actually enjoyed this because it gave the story a detective mystery feel while still being rooted in fantasy (two of my favorite genres combined into one book).

•The romance also felt well-paced and wasn't rushed. The ending, however, did feel a little fast. While I genuinely enjoyed it, I think a few more things could've been explained, especially some of the characters' backstories. That said, this is the first book in a series rather than a standalone, so I'm hoping those questions will be answered in the later books.

✨Ending:

•I wouldn't say romance is the main focus of this story (it definitely isn't) but every time there was even the slightest hint of romance between the characters, I couldn't help giggling and smiling like a maniac.

•I also would've loved to learn more about the magic system. While it's explained throughout the story, I think having a dedicated section at the end of the book that goes into more detail would've been a nice addition.

•Overall, this was such a fun read that I somehow finished it in under two hours. ToT I can't wait to see where the author takes the rest of the series. Honestly, while this clearly sets up future books, the first installment could almost stand on its own as a satisfying story.

•There are no scenes in this book, it is fade to black and implied but if you don't want any kissing just skip chapter 11 💗