A fun fantasy-filled adventure that I couldn’t put down.

The book follows Etar, the 15 year-old nephew of the king who longs to learn more about himself and his magic despite being told his whole life he would never amount to anything, and Jossan, the female General in charge of the island kingdom’s defense who worked her way up in a male-dominated field to the position of power and respect she currently holds.

What I really enjoyed about this book was how realistic and organic the characters felt. Etar struggles with wanting acceptance from the family that neglected, and in some cases outright abused him, and his conflict with his desire to leave the island behind for a better life where he can learn to control his magic. Jo loves Etar like a son, or perhaps a younger brother, and hates to disappoint him but finds herself stuck between wanting to take him somewhere he can be free and happy and her responsibility toward her people since their king is so lazy and indifferent to their needs. An invading fleet from a neighboring conquering kingdom tests them both in ways neither were expecting.

The magic system in this novel was completely unique and innovative, something I had never seen before. Etar is a Starseer, a magician who can literally talk to stars and see visions of the future. I enjoyed the little hints of steampunk and science in Àehd’s alchemy as well. Sometimes I feel fantasy authors are a little worried about adding technology into their creative worlds but these little bits just added to the whimsy and novelty of a world where people use magic for everyday things but not everyone has magic. It was fun to see Etar’s facination with the machinery and the questions and ideas it sparked in him.

Lastly I was pleased with the gradual growth of the affection and eventual romance between Etar and Hans. In fact I was pleased that they became friends first and didn’t have a “love at first sight” moment that fantasy and romance novels have sadly made into a reoccurring trope. You could feel the affection bud and deepen between them organically without it being “fated” or even expected.

I feel there is plenty of room for a sequel although I don’t believe one has been announced yet. I would love to read about Etar and Hans’ further adventures together.

This book had an intriguing concept, but I feel like it wasn't allowed to meet its full potential.

Many of the character decisions felt childish, even when it was an adult making those decisions.

I was genuinely confused about the genre and had to look it up because it felt more like middle grade (but condescending in its simplicity at times) but it featured language and a couple adult themes.

The plot wandered at times and skimmed over important moments at others.

This book wasn't for me, unfortunately.

Thank you to Xpresso Book Tours and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book had a lot darker undertones than I had originally anticipated! I enjoyed the magic system a lot and the different concepts at play. Some parts felt very similar to many other YA books of a young person learning they have a ton of power, but Etar was an enjoyable protagonist to follow.

My biggest challenge with this book was a disconnect within the dialogue between characters. A lot of the language used by characters when speaking seemed to be in direct contrast to the apparent setting of the novel, and it really took me out of the story at some points.

While the characters were each quite interesting and I was rooting for them, they didn’t necessarily act like the ages they were described as being. Jossan in particular came across as SO much younger than being a fully fledged adult.

Overall, an interesting concept with a story that takes some big swings. 3⭐️