This book is a beast! Right from the start, it’s clear that Rice’s writing is incredibly detailed (sometimes too much so). The File on the Mayfair Witches section—taking up about 35% of the book—was a slog. So many minor characters, endless ancestry research, and Talamasca reports that felt unnecessary. But that last 20%? Pure intrigue! The pacing finally picked up, and I was hooked. Rowan, Lasher, and the dark family legacy kept me questioning everything. Final thoughts: A slow-burn, overly wordy read, but ultimately fascinating. The ending convinced me to continue the series!