3.5 stars

I wasn’t sure whether to give this 3.5 stars or 4, but ultimately I decided to lower it because of the slow plot and somewhat rushed ending.

I enjoyed this book. The slower plot allowed the characters to shine and develop, and shifted focus to the complex mother-daughter relationship Mina and Lynet have.

It took me some time to realize that when the perspectives shifted, the time did as well. At first, Mina’s chapters take place 15-20 years prior to the story, when Lynet is a toddler, and then shift to present; I think the flow was smoother once everything was in the same time period.

Additionally, I think the ending was too rushed to suit the slower pace maintained throughout the book or truly satisfy readers. I liked the way things were resolved, but it was all so fast and I felt some things were skimmed over.

Also, there was a sad amount of world-building, if I’m being honest. The North and South were explored on a basic level, but I think so much more could’ve been done with this world.

On a brighter note, the slow-burn f/f subplot was sweet and really paid off in the end. I liked Lynet and Nadia’s relationship, though again, I would’ve liked more details in the end.

Definitely not a perfect book, but an enjoyable, unique retelling that I would recommend.