"My heart spoke for me without any input from my mind. To be loved. To be touched. To be free. I yearned for it with every piece of me, the desire as strong as any hunger or thirst I’d ever felt."

Honestly confused on how to review this because I really liked it and I'm not entirely sure why?

Let me explain: this book is - in many ways - everything I dislike in a fantasy book, from the predictability to the asshole love interests to the inclusion of trials. And yet! I had a great time with this.

Something about it was incredible readable and even though I knew exactly where the plot was going the whole time, I didn't actually mind? I was having enough of a good time in the world and with the characters (who weren't even that revolutionary, mind you) that I didn't mind it being super cliche.

So. Do I recommend this? I'm not entirely sure lol. The only coherent thought I truly have is that - as far as writing style and plot progression goes - if you enjoyed The Prison Healer trilogy and are looking for an adult fantasy, you might really like this one.

I'm pleasantly surprised & slightly befuddled by my enjoyment of this book, but I managed to finish it during this hellish reading slump and for that, I'm grateful.