Divided into parts because I have a lot of thoughts on this book.
1. Let’s get the emotional stuff over with
2. Alienating myself from the feelings that come with this book and looking at what I objectively think
3. Freaking out over a character death spoilers of course
4. Final thoughts

1. The entire book there was this underlying sense of fear, I knew something bad was going to happen but not when or where, and I didn’t yet know if the author was willing to sacrifice characters. Apparently, the answer is yes. There are two things that are really emotional and painful for me to read. One, people’s relationships crumbling. And two, seeing people turn down the path of darkness and/or insanity, as is seen in The Young Elites and Give the Dark My Love. Imagine my suffering when both of those things were included. Reid and Lou’s relationship seems so cute and lighthearted in the first book and the start of this book, when they can barely keep their hands off each other, but then Lou’s magic starts interfering and she becomes numb to her true thoughts and feelings when performing magic. It clouds her judgement, and multiple times things she did not intend happen because she isn’t capable of making good decisions. Also can I just say, I'm a sucker for redheaded love interest, if anyone knows any fantasy, sci-fi or historical fiction books with one, let me know.

2. I find it interesting how the author so easily writes emotionally destructive scenes. Ansel and Coco’s relationship goes (sadly) downhill, Beau is there for no purpose other than the occasional joke, Madame Labelle’s backstory could’ve used more development as I enjoyed what was given, and Reid and Lou’s relationship is done so well, but I do find the idea that after all they’ve been through it would nearly fall apart somewhat unrealistic.

3. Proceed with caution because of course there are spoilers.

I tend to think that when an author kills off a character it’s a lazy way to make the reader feel something. I was up at 4 am reading this and I’d be lying if Ansel’s death didn’t hurt. In this case it serves the plot and I’m afraid to see what grieving Ansel will do to Coco, Reid and Lou. And Madame Labelle was also killed, although it seems they forgot. Lou is not completely mentally stable yet and this can’t be good. Their rage at Morgane could result in rash decisions, so much to wonder and worry about for the third book.

4. The ending was the sort where you think everything is over, but then you get another ending. I don’t like this one as much as the first, but reading the first will of course never be the same again. In general there isn’t much witty banter as the first one which was one of the things that made me like it. The whole book overall has a more somber and serious tone, which makes sense considering the character’s circumstances.