Let’s talk about the good. The world building in this story was excellent.  I really appreciated the little quotes at the beginning of each chapter that really helped shape the lore and history of the historical and fantastical world in the High Seer. 

I also really adored the magic system in this story. The magic in this book is based off of Tarot cards and fate. Aurienne is a complex chosen one type character who has to live with her gift that allows her to see and know the possible futures. I really like how Alex explores the complexities that come with being a chosen one. Characters who have to live with this trope are 1) not always good guys and 2) do not live easy lives.

As far as why this came out as a middle rating type of book. I thought it was just too long. I started to loose interest during the traveling scenes. The introduction and romance between the two main characters happened so quickly and then the rest of the plot just seemed to drag for me. Also this could be a moment where I was the wrong reader for this book. There were also a lot of very political scenes between Aurienne and the different kingdoms that she was trying to recruit to see her visions. Honestly I wanted more of the romance between Theo and Aurienne.