Uh wow, how have I not known about this book? It’s a gem. AND YOU NEED TO READ IT TOO PLEASE.

This, hands down, has the best sibling relationships I have ever read. They felt incredibly real and they were tight knit. But that didn’t stop arguments, nor did it stop apologies. I think getting a multi point of view set-up with everyone really sold this book for me. I loved seeing everyone’s sides and decisions. What they were thinking and how that played into the further plot.

The MAIN character, Soren, is just on the cusp of some major character arcs (well, everyone is for that matter). Saltwater did a great job of accomplishing a cast that needs to grow, but without making you not want to keep going. I LOVE the initial vibes for Finn, Kal, Soren, Elias and more. I think some serious moves will be made throughout the series.

There’s only a dash of romance at this time (which I am curious as to how it’ll be carried over multiple books). I would have loved a bit more, yet by the time some feelings were being expressed I realized I was very much emotionally attached to these two getting their way. The best kind of feelings towards fiction relationships.

I couldn’t get enough of this book and it is so easy to fly through. There’s not intense world-building throughout. It works well in that it’s still easy to know who’s who and what the overall plot will continue to be. I’m interested in many of the sub-plots with meddling gods and betrayals galore.