Okay. So I know there is a lot of people who don't like this book... but I'm so in love. In fact, this may be my favorite thing that I've read this year. The main character, Alina, didn't entirely get on my nerves (which is a common problem I have with a lot of books) and she reacted in a way that I think anybody would have if they found themselves in her situation. And the Darkling.

The. Darkling. So complex and mysterious. I've never been this conflicted over a villain in my life. I believe that he really did have some feelings for Alina which is why his emotions seemed to be flip floppy when he was around her.

Mal. Listen. I'm a sucker for the "childhood best friends to lovers" trope. My only complaint is that the was so grumpy when Alina finally seemed somewhat happy when at the Little Palace. And though I get that it was because he loved her and didn't like he fact the the Darkling had a certain claim on her, he didn't have to be a bitch. Otherwise, no complaints.

One thing I didn't understand but had no effect on the rating of this book was the whole debacle on what color Alina should be wearing. It makes sense for the Darkling to be wearing black because... well he's the Darkling and he has dark powers or whatever. But they could've put Alina in white or gold or even yellow because those colors signify light, and thats her power. I don't understand why that was such a problem but I guess it was another way the Darkling can show that he practically owned her.

All this to say that I loved this book.