I think my biggest issue with this novel was the pacing. The beginning felt too slow, and then the middle to end felt all around too fast. This is a stand-alone, so it does ultimately fall into that stereotype of being a rushed one.
My favorite part of the entire story were the scenes where the narrator described the gods/ goddesses and how they came to be. They were few and far between, but every time they popped up I had to read them twice because it was super interesting. Can I have a whole book dedicated to just them? Please?!
Also I did enjoy the autumn and winter trials because they held loads of emotions and intensity that kept me engrossed.
Now the romance in this novel just.. it was all over the place. It was insta-lovey, and then it completely just flipped itself towards the end. I get what the author wanted to do with the romance, but the rushed ending just jumbled and confused it. It felt flat and unrealistic.
Also can I just say I’m SOOOO tired of the “plain looking” main character. I’m okay with it mentioned, but when it comes up every few chapters and pages, I start to become a tad.. fed up. Maybe it’s because I’ve read SO MANY books centered around the MC looking plain, but I just.. I was getting a little peeved.
I think the saddest part is that the story had a lot of potential. So many times I could see myself loving this story if certain aspects weren’t there or were changed. This specific scene at the end actually could’ve made this book incredible (in my opinion) if the events that followed had not happened. I was on the edge of my toes, and then I had to sink back in my chair disappointed.
Everyone has been giving this novel 5 // 5 on Goodreads and Bookstagram, so maybe I’m just too picky and harsh. If this book sounds like your kinda fantasy, then I’d definitely recommend to pick it up.

Thank you HMH Teen for gifting me an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.