update: i just found out on tumblr there’s no sequel and that i can be read as a standalone wtf?? there’s so many questions left at the end of this book if it’s true then i have to drop another star i’m sorry 

disclaimer: i would've given this book four stars if i had known before going in that it wasn't a standalone, and that the ending sets up for another book. which is strange because i can't find any info on what the next book is and when it will be released.

besides that, the book was easy to read, with a magic system that was easy to follow. i enjoyed violet's character, finding similarities between her and jude, both opportunistic and determined to look out for themselves instead of the greater good. i found the fairytale world beautiful and the side characters fleshed out and engaging to read, particularly in relation to violet. cyrus and violet's relationship was at times fun and captivating to read but it also felt like the author kept being aggressively showing us how much they 'hated' each other. the last few chapters were rushed and the way cyrus acted towards the end was very out of character, again making it seem like the author really wants to push the cruel prince vibes.

although i loved the world, i'm not very interested in reading the second book only because i didn't think there'd be one and i didn't think it was necessary. i think they could've wrapped up the story in one book, kind of like the fairy tale the author wants to have the atmosphere of.