This was a strong 4-star read for me, and I wouldn’t be surprised if I end up revisiting it in the future. I listened to the audiobook version, and while it was still a compelling experience, I can’t help but wonder if reading the physical copy might have made me connect more deeply. Some of the character relationships felt a bit rushed, and I think I may have missed subtle moments of development that would've landed harder in print. 

That said, the heart of this book—Tisaanah’s journey from an abused slave girl to a powerful force to be reckoned with—was beautifully done. I appreciated how her growth wasn’t linear, and she remained vulnerable even while becoming strong. Her resilience was inspiring, and I found myself rooting for her every step of the way. 

The love story, while sweet, also moved a little too quickly for my taste. I would’ve loved more buildup and tension, especially considering the emotional and psychological baggage both characters were working through. The supporting characters, too, sometimes popped in without much context, and a clearer breakdown of the political and magical systems earlier in the book might’ve helped smooth out the pacing and immersion. 

Still, I really enjoyed the magic system, the writing style, and the themes of survival, self-worth, and liberation. It’s the kind of book I think will hit even harder on a re-read, and I’m definitely intrigued enough to keep going with the series.

 

More reviews on my blog: www.geekytalesandbeyond.com