I'll admit, for the first hundred pages I struggled with this, but stuck with it because the plot sounded really interesting (black magic and secret societies? Count me in!) And also because of my love for Leigh Bardugos Grishaverse novels, and I'm glad I did! This book is by far my favourite read of 2019. It was beautifully written, the mythology and magic systems were unique and left me craving more and I fell in love with the characters because the weren't perfect, or falling in love but because Alex and Darlington were both flawed people just trying to find a place in the world.
What left me loving this book even more was that I went into it thinking it was a standalone but finding out it was the first in a series! Cannot wait for the next one, a five star read that left an insatiable craving that won't be satisfied until the next in the series. Highly recommend!