“Nothing comes for free, especially Magic.” This line hooked me when I saw this book come up on my radar. Elspeth has an ancient spirit trapped in her mind called – The Nightmare. I have to admit that I thought this would be a lot darker than it was. It’s not my typical read but I thought I would give this a chance. I’m so glad I did! It’s got its dark and gothic vibes but not too much. I enjoyed it very much.

Elspeth caught the infection when she was a younger girl. Instead of her dad turning her over, he hid her with her uncle and aunt. Yet, he doesn’t play a part in her life and her stepmother and sisters treat her awfully. I got some Cinderella vibes going on there. Not only does her family treat her differently, but so does everyone around her. She stays off the grid and doesn’t leave. She’s learned how to hide and become unseen. It’s so hard not to fall in love with her right away. You just want to hug her but she’s surprisingly strong! She knows how to take care of herself but she’s starting to lose control of the Nightmare. He’s helped her stay safe and hidden but magic comes at a price, what is hers?

Then we have the gang of characters who are the rebels. They all add so much to the story and it’s impossible not to love them. I got attached to so many of them but I wish we could learn a little more about their stories, especially Elm. I think it might be something that comes up in later books. Regardless, Gillig creates a fantasy world with a unique premise. I just wish that we had some more world-building. The whole concept of the providence cards took a bit for me to grasp but it was very cool. They all have their power but there’s always a cost. Learning about how the cards came about and what the cost is was fascinating but left me wanting more. I think that the relationship between The Nightmare and Elspeth is going to be a lot more intertwined than we believe. I can’t wait to find out.

The romance in this book is just perfect! I loved Ravyn from the very beginning! He’s got so much charm and charisma it’s hard not to. I really want to know more about his past! There is a tad bit of enemies-to-lovers going on. It’s not a lot but it’s there and I loved their banter. We also get a fake dating trope which is so much fun! The way he never doubts her and always protects her makes him all the more lovable. The smirking was all over the place and made it so swoon-worthy!!

Overall, this was a brilliant debut! I had no idea it was a debut until after reading it and Julie pointed it out. I buddy read this with her and we both loved it. If you go into this expecting some very dark and gothic vibes just be aware that it’s lacking there. It just barely dips into those vibes and probably why I enjoyed it so much. Regardless, there’s a lot to love here and I cannot wait for book two!!

Many thanks to Orbit for an ARC to review!!