Oooh I was immediately far more invested in this book versus the first one! Farron is such a prickly and unlikeable character, an eldest daughter who’s been bearing the weight of her household for far too long and has grown bitter. So while she lashes out and is angry 90% of the book, it’s executed in a way that despite my initial dislike for her, I still had empathy for her. And I love that Legrand continues to write such tender love stories for complex women! Ryder was a fantastic love interest for her and the slow burn enemies-to-lovers was DELICIOUS! 

The only thing is…god this was long. And I think the length is what shot it in the foot. So much happened and yet at times it felt like we were meandering to get to the point. 

I will say this book did a far better job advancing the world building and magical elements, which enriched this series for me! I look forward to the next book.