★★★★☆ 4 stars

Wow wow wow. The connection, the banter, the tension between Kai and Paedyn in this book? Everything.

I wanted more of them in Powerless, and this sequel absolutely gave me what I was craving — page after page of stolen glances, loaded silences, and slow-burn moments that made my heart ache in the best way. It’s mostly about their journey back to the castle.

There’s so much yearning packed into the space between the lines — him chasing, her resisting, and both of them pretending they’re not completely unraveling every time they’re near each other. Their bond quietly strengthens as they’re forced to confront not just each other, but what they mean to each other. And those deep little moments? Devastating in the best way.

That said, the plot takes a bit of a breather in this one. It’s more of a character-focused setting— lots of walking, talking, running, and hiding. There isn’t a ton of advancement in the overarching story or side character arcs (aside from a few important scenes). But if you're here for the romance? For the emotionally-charged dialogue and tender unraveling of two guarded people? You will eat this up. (And I did.)

I had so much fun reading this — even though I did get spoiled on the ending twist (😭 still salty), the emotional payoff was still so good. I am fully, irrevocably attached to this love story. To Kai. To Paedyn. To the electricity between them that feels like it could burn kingdoms to the ground.
🖤 Bring on the next book. I am not okay.

🩶 Favorite moment:
“You are my proof of a paradise.”
Excuse me while I cry forever.

“But I dare to lift my hand. Dare to raise it up to her nose, her body blocking the movement. Dare to flick the tip of it one last time, hoping she hears my words hidden within the action.
I love you.” 💔❤️‍🔥

“the sound of her laugh is healing, capable of a man forgetting his own name, let alone his pain.”