I love a good end-times setup, and I love the grownups are lying liars trope. The magic is cool (though not well explained) and I very much enjoy a world with magic in it where our main character isn't magical. Thw writing is compelling, as well. Where this falls apart is in the conclusion, which is to say that the climax should, I feel, be either more climactic or wrap up more ends, or both. I also feel like the

budding romance

is extraneous and unnecessary, but it is sweet so I guess it's ok. A very interesting world that I would love to spend more time in, with a bit of a weak finish.