Oh boy. I was over the Moon for the e-ARC, I felt so honoured. I love Ben Alderson's books. But this one is a big fat DNF (so far... I... I don't know if I can finish it.)
Firstly:
HEA is my preference, but I loved his Realm of Fey series, which is a big beautiful mess, I can't wait the final book, so what I'm trying to say is, I can live without the HEA if I feel like it's worth it. The Darkmoor series is also lovely, those books are stand alone and each one has a happy ending, so I had high hopes...HIGH hopes. Usually I love his world building.

But this book is too... anxious for me, the motivations are a bit unclear, there are hardly any romance in it and I'm halfway through. I can't be botherd by the poor dragons because I don't get the MC. And... I don't really feel the double love interest also. (Max doesn't come through as a very sexual being, which is okay, but I'm also not convinced that it's by purpose.)
I didn't read the original book before, but I looked into it since, and I realized it's a heavier rerelease, not just with a few changes. I'm sad to say I feel like the style paid the price of it.

Now I love Simion's telepathic ability, and it's a new trope, and I find it fascinating. I'm a bit hopeful for this trope. But I'm very afraid about the ending. I need my emotionally fulfilling moments. So far I hardly got any.


Edit: I finished it!! I gave it another star, bc most of my questions are answered and the picture became more clear. I love Ben Alderson's worldbuilding and storytelling, but this was way too angsty for my taste and too fast paced. I really can't keep up with such a twisty book. Like there's a twist on every five pages.