Two stars only for the technically good writing. This book is too long, meandering, and a bit boring. Characters that should draw us in and get us in our feelings seem almost flat, and it feels like we are watching from fifty yards away. 

I wanted to like this, and certain things were enjoyable like the past of Affonlight and the history of Westish College. Overall though, I just don’t know who this book is for. I think with more emotion and intimacy between the characters and the reader, this could have really been something.