at first, i assumed the pacing was fast because it was a standalone, but after i realised it was actually part of a series it disappointed me a lot. it means that they could've done more backstory into literally everyone: we don't hear much about darling being an orphan or her childhood, and the princes lack so much depth, particularly caspian. the worldbuilding is just a few stories told by others here and there; there is no definite explanation to the magical system or history. the romance is also very insta-love for an enemies to lovers trope. and why is there no map?? if the bulk of the plot is the main characters touring the lands why can't we see said lands? 

a disappointing with the alleged cliffhanger not really eliciting any emotion from me.