There were some writing issues, but I do not find those irreversible. The author has potential and it shows in the way the characters communicate with each-other. So there is hope, because I find that this is where most new authors really struggle. The other good news is that there weren't any dragging descriptions, but some for orientation in space and time, might have been helpful.

Quickie Review

I enjoyed this one more probably than a woman my age should. It was, I'd say, towards the NA end of the YA spectrum, and yet the main character, Jessa, and the four Compass brothers (her pseudo pack) are kind of like one big giggling pile of naughty puppies, even though Jessa's the only one who's actually a wolf! I liked how protective they were of Jessa, and the little family-like unit they'd created came across as believable. I also loved the hint of something extra that may or not be felt towards one of them in particular!

The story was engaging throughout and very original. I'd say I've read my fair share of these types of books and found this one to be a breath of fresh air and a very quick read (as in I couldn't put it down so it was finished quickly!).

If you're thinking of picking this one up you will want the next one, and even better, the whole trilogy handy, as they tend to end with a gasp!

A great start to a super fun trilogy. I highly recommend it.

4 stars

A copy of this book was provided by the publiher for an honest review.

It‘s been a while since I read this book. But my computer ate my other review, so here is the version of what I remembered. And I’m sorry, but what stayed with me is how much I struggled to finish this book.

Jessa Lebron and her quadruplet fan club just got on my nerves. Really everyone loves her and babies her? I mean, I get it, we all swoon when there is a badass boy, all tough and all in love with the female lead. But this was just ridiculous and over the top.

It’s so sad because I was really intrigued by the blurb. Dragons, shape-shifting and a supernatural prison? Sign me up. But it was so cliche!
Hot female lead, who is “not like other girls”: check
Hot guy(s) in love with her and extremely over-protective: check
No real female friends because everyone is either bitchy and/or jealous of her awesomeness: check
Extremely obvious love interest right from the start: check (why being subtle?? so overrated!)

On top of that is felt really high school drama-esque even though they are supposed to be in their twenties? Yeah, did not act like that!
And we get constantly told how perfect the five of them are, how powerful and how they’ll be leaders very soon. Yeah, I wouldn’t want them as leaders! Not until they do some serious growing up and get an ego-check (especially Jessa)

The worldbuilding was often very info-dumpy, but it was tolerable, though not really enjoyable.

Normally I would applaud an author for writing a female lead who is gorgeous and knows it. But here it wasn’t done right. It was over the top and very annoying. Just as much as the protectiveness of the Compasses (hot quadruplets). Too much, too many times. Or her love for food. Cheers for eating a lot, but you don’t have to mention it every other page!!

The only character I remember at least not hating was that wizard/magic-user who shielded her or something? Can’t remember his name though, so yeah.

This book has a lot of extremely positive reviews and I’m seriously questioning if we read the same book, but … yeah. So I wouldn’t recommend, but a lot of other people would so your choice. Oh and, if you might agree with me, you’ll notice within the first five chapters. Either you can stand the main characters or you can’t (like me) and if you can’t: DNF it without regrets. Believe me, it doesn’t get any better than this.

All in all, it boils down to: I didn’t even notice much of the plot/writing style/worldbuilding and can’t properly critique those parts because the oh so perfect characters annoyed the living daylight out of me. Sorry.

(Oh and apparently I liked it a bit more towards the ending? Can't remember but my almighty notes said so.)