This is such a disappointing DNF because the book started off well. Learning about the world in the first 100 pages or so was pretty interesting, but then it just went to shit. I really wish I could finish it to count towards my books read for the year, but I just can't face it. 
 
Exactly like 'The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue', I think this book has a really interesting concept, but the writing doesn't do ANYTHING for me. It's so 2D and feels completely flat. There's no real intrigue, everything is so predictable, and the storytelling is so basic and un-nuanced. I hardly felt a single twinge of emotion during it - I felt pretty much no humour, worry, shock, suspense etc.
 
Also, the book isn't classified/marketed as YA, but it is written very much in a YA style which I have definitely outgrown in most cases.
 
Something I found quite jarring was that the book is set in London, with all London born and raised characters, but Americanisms are used frequently. E.g. using 'periods' instead of 'full stop'. Schwab also clumsily includes some British sayings/culture, again in a very jarring manner. E.g. taking about Lila drinking a pint and using the phrase 'she lifted the pint to her lips' - I can guarantee no British person would use that phrasing, most likely it would be 'drink to her lips' instead of pint. Conversely, 'Grey London' is spelled in the English way, chose a lane please!
 
The horribly cheesy and obvious romance plotline was infuriating and unnecessary for the characters, and wasn't needed in such an interesting world. Not everything needs to be romance!! 

‘K bye