Finally got around to reading this one! Trying to get to some of VE Schwab's backlist, because I've loved the new stuff she's been putting out. Plus, I've read most of her YA stuff, so I figured it was time to get to her adult stuff. Happy to say I wasn't disappointed!

Schwab has a knack for world building and for writing characters that you can easily connect with from the beginning. This was true for both Kell and Lila. Kell is one of the last people who can travel between the different Londons, but he doesn't really know where he fits in. Lila is a pirate, looking for adventure, who just happens upon Kell and his magic. From the moment they meet, the two have great chemistry, and I enjoyed their interactions throughout the book. It just really helped in carrying the story forward.

What I also liked about this book was that it was high stakes, but maybe not high stakes like an epic fantasy. You know, full on large battles with worlds colliding. The magic is more subtle, more like historical magical realism (making that a thing). I honestly think that's some of my favorite kind of fantasy, and that's the kind of fantasy that Schwab is great at writing.

I also listened to the audiobook for this one, and the narrator was fantastic. He definitely brought this world to life, and it always helps when narrators have British accents. Because I just love listening to that. All in all, I absolutely can't wait to read the next book because I need to know what happens next!