I really thought this was gonna be my second 5-star read of the year, and my 33rd across all-time. I was obsessed with this book when I started it, reading it for the first ever official StoryGraph readalong.

I was here for the mystery and intrigue...but then it unfolded in a way that I wasn't expecting and couldn't get on board with. And I was disappointed.

On top of that, some explanations for things, or where things were left, felt unsatisfactory given the build-up. I don't need everything laid out to me, not at all, but given the slow build-up and anticipation, I expected a little more here.

However, the vibes were immaculate and I loved the writing, the setting, the atmosphere, and the cast of characters on the whole, but when I try and give this book a 4.5-star rating, it feels too generous given how disappointed I was with what turned out to be a key element of the book.

I wasn't looking forward to giving The Starless Sea a go given the little I'd heard about it, but now I'm excited to check it out, even if it ultimately ends up not being for me.