I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for leaving an honest review.

Okay so this book is a solid 3.5 star for me. I am loving the story, and the world building. This mysterious key is really interesting and I want to know more about the Nilari and their Isle of Ashes.

I’m still dead set on not liking Kyla. I feel like she jumps the gun way too quickly of threatening everyone if she doesn’t get her way or doesn’t like the answers that are coming up. The fact that she still is set on the sacred core and isn’t more set on getting answers also kills me. Like how can you so blindly believe everything you have been told when obviously no one else around you does. Especially when you keep learning more and more about what is going on or has happened before.
I also feel like Max is always there but has fallen to the wayside and I would like to see more of him since he has such a weird connection to the dead.
Marlowe, oh Marlowe. I really like him but he needs to get his anger in check a bit. And stop making googly wyes at Kyla. I do not want them together. I was so happy with the ending when he pretty much told her to STFU and be honest. Because she always demands and threatens but then hides so much info from everyone else and then threatens them over the same secrets she is keeping.
(Sorry if I butchered any titles)
Regardless I still enjoyed this book a lot and I am excited for the next book!