I thoroughly enjoyed this book even if it wasn't what I expected as it's a mix of YA and adult fantasy and I felt that the two part were a bit unbalanced as one moment you are reading about teen drama and after few pages the tone is darker and more adult.
The other objection is that some parts were dragging and some cuts would have made it more gripping.
That said there a lot of potential and this could become a great fantasy series.
I'm a huge fan of fantasy set in an alternate London and I was fascinated by the setting and how the author mixes fantasy with contemporary life.
The Binder magic system was another plus as it's the first time that I read a magical system inspired by ceremonial magic. Correspondences, timing, the control of emotions are part of ceremonial magic and the author described them very well.
There's a lot of angst, abuse and anger in this book but there are also very interesting characters and a well developed plot (expect for the parts where it drags).
The author is a good storyteller, the character development is excellent and the world building fascinating.
One last note: I fell in love with the cover that I find amazing
It's an enjoyable and engrossing story that I recommend.
Many thanks to HarperVoyager and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine