To start... I LOVED the Divergent series (haven’t read Carve The Mark yet) so I was very excited to read another Veronica Roth book.

I was a little weary after reading reviews but as I read through the first 100 pages I really loved it. I loved the character and enjoyed the rawness of her journey as she struggled with PTSD and anxiety. (I know it’s an “adult novel” and they aren’t in first person, but I honestly wish it had been in 1st person to hear more of what was going on in Sloane’s head). A little over a hundred pages in there is a huge twist that I wasn’t ready for and honestly wasn’t totally into for awhile. I pushed through and am SO GLAD I did because it really picked up. The last 200 pages I was completely engrossed and waiting for more! I want more from the series and the characters and am excited to see where they go.

I agree there are a few plot things that could be improved and the pacing (some parts are drawn out and others needed some more) but overall I really enjoyed it and it completely engulfed me in the story! Highly recommend if you love adventure/sci-fi/fantasy/magic books!