I never expected this book to be so absolutely witty, hilarious, and full of A+ banter and YEARNING. The hype had me curious, but I wasn’t prepared for just how much this book would completely win me over from page one.
The relationship development is almost perfect, and I don’t say that lightly. This is the type of slow burn enemies to lovers I will eat up like candy every time. If you’ve been disappointed by lackluster enemies-to-lovers recently, this book will restore your faith in the trope. This is how it’s done.
The banter deserves its own award. We’re talking genuinely laugh out loud moments. The wit is sharp, the timing is perfect, and the chemistry and tension between the characters practically leaps off the page, despite their clear animosity towards each other.
Though I do wish we got to see some bigger picture aspects of the world, I really liked the concept of the Orders, which are essentially factions/groups of people and they master specific forms of magic. For example, there is an assassin order, a healer order, etc. There are also noncorporeal animal companions used for communication and waystones used for teleportation. However, with the way things were set up in this one, I hope that’s something we will get to explore going forward. The foundation is solid and promises exciting developments in future books.
In terms of the mixed feelings surrounding this book, I do recognize the valid criticisms. No book is perfect, and readers’ tastes vary wildly. Some may find the pacing slow, others want more world-building upfront, and some feel the hype set unrealistic expectations. However, it was just so dang fun. Sometimes a book just clicks with you despite any technical flaws, and that’s exactly what happened here.
We discover things at the end of the book, but it doesn’t end on a crazy cliffhanger or anything, which I appreciate. I don’t mind because I’m chomping at the bit to just return to these characters enough already. I want the sequel now.