DNF at 5%. From a long, dense prologue with... questionable descriptions to a first chapter lacking any context with...questionable descriptions.

Also, I know there is still a lot of ongoing discussion about the use of the word "Gypsy," but can we at least agree that Romani is a culture, not an aesthetic?

I attempted to read this book twice. First time I dropped it as it was not connecting with me. Second time I tried to really stick to reading and succeded, but it was difficult. Too many thing were confusing me and I could not grab the storyline again.
I absolutely loved the cover!!!!

DNF
I found this book very difficult to get into and found that I had to keep putting it down. Sadly eventually I failed to pick it back up again.

DNF at 14%
This book was kind of weird, I didn't feel connected to any of the characters and the worldbuilding was lacking. I felt like I was listening to a 10-year-old describe a dream they had. The magic system didn't make sense. It's like it was too whimsical. Too little background, too little character development, too little connection between the 3 wildly different storylines.

I feel like I was reading for obligation, and this is never good. Didn't finish, stop around 40% of the book. Is well writen but I had no patience with the pace. Maybe I try again in the future.

Three and a half
It was the cover that caught my eye but if I'm brutal as much as I was intrigued by the synopsis and ideas here the execution didn't quite wow me. In fact I was quite tempted to just give up but I don't like to be a quitter although I do admit it was touch and go initially.
The author paints a picture of what I can only describe as an ancient world with Elves, Sprites and all manner of magical creatures but sadly their very existence is threatened by Body Kings, who seek less kindness ( ironically it's very powerful ) and more tactile rewards. The author takes us between this astonishing world of long ago and a very much more mundane, modern Australian setting as Rosetta introduces a book to her reading club written in the eighteenth century that seeks to convince readers that once there was no need for a monetary system. Rosetta is lonely but Matthew, a passing businessman has kindled her interest and the author cunningly draws the reader in as we learn that Matthew is at a crossroads of his own.
Honestly I had no idea what would transpire as this story unfolded. I feel that I'm supposed to like Rosetta but oddly didn't find her written vividly enough and I got very bored with her constantly criticising herself. Matthew is on a journey of self discovery but it's pretty obvious that the author envisages a romance at some point between the pair. For this reader it was the Elf Pieter that shone the brightest and I'd actually say he was the highlight of this story for me. Pieter changes so much and will sacrifice anything to help others.
There's clearly more to come in the next book The Silvering so all I will say is persevere if initially it's not grabbing you with its concept of Body Kings who are just more physically aware and less cerebral or mystic. This might not please everyone but I was absolutely hooked by it ( eventually I admit it ) and if you love fairy tales than this uniquely, inspired concept of Sleeping Beauty with its time travel ideas was truly different and kept me glued to the very last page.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

Dear Epiphany The Golding,

It’s not you, it’s me. You are wonderful, with a unique and intriguing premise. You’re well written, and your storyline is very complex. You’re just not what I need right now.

I did read you cover to cover. I don’t know; maybe I was hoping you’d share your secrets sooner, or that I’d be drawn in. I kept finding my head turning at other books, though, which just isn’t fair to you. You deserve more than that.

You deserve a reader who is sucked in and fascinated, not someone who was confused by large parts of your writing. I honestly didn’t love your hippie new-agey romance, and I found you to be a heavy read.

Maybe it’s just not the right time for us. Maybe we should consider this a break and I’ll try again in a few months or so. I think you need what I can’t give: a reader who has uninterrupted time to devote to you, not someone who is also busy with family and homeschooling.

I wish you the very best, Epiphany- The Golding. I know there are readers out there who will love you. I just can’t be that reader right now. I hope you understand.

Your Faithful Reader

In all seriousness, though, give this book a try. It really is just a matter of the book not fitting the reader.

I was happily surprised by this book as it's very good.
I like the originality of the plot, the fleshed out characters and how engrossing and engaging this book is.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.