Sometimes I'm really upset that there's no half-star rating option and other times I'm grateful because I feel like I would be too indecisive about ratings, but I would give this book 3.5 stars if I could.

I listened to this on audiobook and it was SO hard to pay attention during the entire first half of the book. I had to look up chapter recaps online because I'd zone out for short periods of time and the story was just not holding my interest. It definitely picked up in the latter half once Seraphina and Kiggs encountered the dragon for the first time.

Speaking of, I'm CONFLICTED about Seraphina and Kiggs! I really like them but I also really like Glisselda and don't want her to get hurt :( I was waiting for her to do something that made me dislike her so I could really root for Seraphina and Kiggs, but she really is super sweet and I feel bad for her haha. (Though I will say that hearing Glisselda and Kiggs referred to as cousins A LOT and knowing they are engaged was weird and unsettling lol)

I really liked a lot of the characters in this book. I loved all the people from Seraphina's mental garden, especially Lars and Abdo, and the relationship between Seraphina and Orma was sweet. I'm not in any rush to continue this series but will probably pick up the second book sometime in the future.

*update: HAAAAA jk I just read reviews for the second book and I will NOT be picking it up lol wah wah wahhhhhhhhh