What a fun ride! This plot was super interesting and I do like how the it developed from the beginning to end. While I did enjoy the plot, I did have a bit of a hard time with characters as I don’t feel like they were full fleshed out to where I felt completely invested in them. Some of their decisions and choices seemed a bit odd and the reasons for the decisions didn’t convince me completely. That was really the only problem I had with the book because I loved everything else especially the writing so I am hoping in the next book the character building will improve as I’m dying to know what will happen next. This book was full of adventure with twists and turns that made it thrilling from beginning to end.

What a beautifully written debut! I’m still shocked that it’s a debut because it had everything a fantasy novel needed and the writing elevated it to another level.Not only was the writing so well done, it really helped with development of characters throughout the story especially Xingyin as I felt like I knew the so well. The characters will really leave an impression on you just as much as the writing. The plot developed nicely and I didn’t feel as though it was rushed and that’s always a good thing cause there’s nothing worse than a rushed plot. Another part of the story I loved was the representation as the author used women not just as plot devices and they were key characters throughout the story so that’s nice to see especially with a fantasy book. I loved all of it, this story was so good and I can’t wait for the sequel coming out later this year!

Well it’s always good when a book delivers and I was actually surprised with how much I enjoyed it as her books are hit and miss with me. But, this was a real treat even if the beginning was a little slow as it picked up and I didn’t want to put it down. One thing about Schwab that I’ve always liked regardless of whether I enjoyed her books as a whole is her writing. It’s so beautifully done and I envy how she can weave words together so well that makes you invested in the story. The writing definitely helped with getting into story and understanding the characters who were unique, flawed and interesting. As I mentioned, the beginning of it was a bit hard to get into and I do appreciate that she includes an author’s note with how and why she chose to write a story like this.

Holy shit! This is going to end up in my top 5 list of best books of 2022 because I loved everything about it! Mythology retellings are always hit and miss with me but the premise sounded interesting and unique. The plot wasn’t something that I’d read before and a lot of myth retellings are usually about Hades and Persephone, there are so many other stories that are just as interesting. So, when i saw this book on goodreads while looking for new recs, I decided to check it out and I was glad that I did because wow.

While it start off slow, I actually think it worked out well that way because it really did set up for the rest of the story. I thought the characters especially Hanne, were all multifaceted, interesting, and unique in their own ways. This was such a thrilling ride from beginning to end and learning about Finnish mythology as a real treat.

There’s nothing more disappointing when the second half of a book completely falls apart but that’s what happened here. The book started off strong even with a predictable plot but I’m a sucker for books like this so I didn’t really care that it was a plot that I’ve read before. The world-building was stunning and so well written and that’s something that will always get my attention. I’m a sucker for excellent world-building and Harper does a very good job at that. As for the characters and romance, the first half of the book was good and it did show development not only with the two main characters but others.

But sadly, the second half completely undid the first as the main love interest went back and forth with either being too controlling or too protective and it was so bad that I honestly wanted the main character to either find someone else or come to her senses and be find on her own. Plus, the writing got choppy and it felt forced at some parts. I’m bummed because I did like the beginning but the second half just sunk everything for me.