DNF - no rating.

Unfortunately for me, this book is only suitable for a much younger audience. The two female protags are meant to be 16 but I thought they were 12.

Beautiful cover, but I struggled to stay engaged and to connect with the story and characters.

A special thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a E-Arc.


This was quite an original and fun story but I felt like there was something missing from it. I was very interested in the first few chapters but after 50% everything just went downhill. The characters didn't make any new developments OR growth. The pacing and plot were all over the place and most of the time I did not understand what was going on. I did enjoy some of the characters' characteristics though. And also quite enjoyed the action. Most of the characters were described by the other characters in one way but to me acted another way. So there was no real way to FIND/KNOW a character. I found Ande and Trei very annoying but funny. I found Saig to be a normal boring character with jealousy-free issues but at the end of the book that kind of resolved. Auris was definitely my favorite and most relatable. Her entire life was opposed to Saig and it was quite funny seeing them oppose each other. Those were literally the only characters I knew about the rest I completely forgot and names were just thrown around sooo.... yeahhhhh confusing

I am intrigued by the sequel although I don't think I will be reading it. If this book sounds interesting or like something you might like please don't hesitate to read it and do not let my opinions get in the way.

I loved the idea of this book, but the execution was off for me. Aspects of the world-building were sloppy and inconsistent throughout the book. That being said, the story had potential and I understand that it is a series so I’m giving it three stars

I've received this book for an honest review from netgalley #netgalley

This book was super engaging and had me on the edge of my seat adventure and so much more! Great character developments and world building.

I wanted to like this book so much....but I just didn't. It was a bit sad because I could tell that the first few chapters didn't capture my attention. I trudged on, hoping that something would interest me and I would be able to consume the rest of the book with a fervor. Sadly, that didn't happen and I had to force myself to finish the book (I absolutely hate DNFing a book).

Let's start with the cover. The cover is really pretty. I like the blue and mysterious tones. The title? Not so much. I didn't very understand the significance of the title. I think it was like one small part of the book itself, and waaay too obscure, that it didn't even make much sense.

Moving onto characters. I really liked that there was a wide range of characters, from the girl who wants to do "boy" things, the strong independent thinker girl, the lunk-head warrior dude, the level headed prince. But altogether, I felt that none of them really stuck to me. I found myself wondering at multiple parts of the book, "why do I even care?" I just wasn't able to form a connection to ANY of them. Also, I don't think I saw much development at all. I couldn't tell that Saig had changed from the beginning (oops, I had to look up her name to write this review. I feel so sad when I finish a book and can't remember the main characters' names).

Plot and world building. This was by far the most confusing aspect. I was so confused (first) about the introduction of new characters. There were so many who weren't actually introduced, or maybe described by a couple words, and thrown in there. Also, the book took a fantasy turn that was very confusing. I was scratching my head trying to understand the politics and goblins and immortality. I think I still don't very understand what happened. I also wish there was more in the way of world building. Maybe I missed it, but I was so confused that there was a Prince in their village? town? city? But there was also a king? And the Prince of their village is not the heir to the throne? Also, would've loved a map. I think maps just sell the fantasy aspect. But I won't complain about that.

Perhaps as this is the first book in a series, the second book will redeem it. But as much as it pains me to not finish a series, I don't think I will be reading the second one.

This one won me over from the first pages. My only issue was that the book at times was confusing because the world building was fairly inconsistent. For the most part I could still figure out what was going on etc. So it only effected the story a little. The characters were fully formed and so amazing and I can not wait to read the next book in the series. And lord do I need this in print!! I mean look at that cover!