I picked this book up with the promise of learning about the Old Malay world and its extensive history, in a setting that felt right at home. While I loved the premise of mystery and adventure for ancient artifacts, this novel fell almost flat. I struggled to not just end the book by page 80 because the pacing was too slow for my liking. The writer conveyed history through info dumps and while I mostly do not mind as it is based on history, it lacked an in-depth description of the various sights or experiences that Irin faced. Every time the author finally described something, it was rushed and over so quickly. The process of grief that Irin faced was quickly resolved for the sake of plot. It was not as immersive as it could have been. I was not entirely drawn by the way the writer wrote the story, it was the adventure that hooked me in.

Overall, I gave it a three star read because while I loved everything that the book promised it to be, it did not meet my expectations of it.