I'd attempted to read this at the start of last summer, but ultimately ended up putting it down because I fell into a reading slump and it just wasn't capturing my attention. I can say with confidence that I am SO very glad that I decided to give it a second shot.

The plot of this book isn't anything special, perhaps the most it breaks from typical tropes is when

Spoiler

Soren doesn't hate Theodosia after she attempts to kill him

. Still, Laura Sebastian's writing is so charged with emotions that its hard not to connect deeply with all of the characters. Not that anyone is going to be shocked by this, but I absolutely loved Soren. I think either him or Cress are my favorite characters, though that's not to say that Theodosia isn't an excellent character as well.

Overall, I really really enjoyed this and am very much looking forward to picking up the rest of the series!