It’s been a while since I’ve really had to force myself to read a book. And let me tell you, reading this was THE biggest struggle I have had in a long time. The writing is atrocious.

Yes, this book has been compared to Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse series. It barely does, other than a love triangle, the MC being almost a saint and the use of a different language it does not compare. I really don’t think this is similar at all.

This book really lacked in character motivations. The beginning is very jarring and there is ZERO world building in this FANTASY novel.

Another core element in a fantasy novel that this novel doesn’t have is a magic system. All she does is hold her prayer beads and ask her Gods to do everything for her.

The “love” interest is your basic enemies to lovers trope. All of the characters lack character development so they feel very one dimensional and cookie cutter. There are no character motivations so the plot flounders about waiting for something to save it.

The writing style itself became painful. The usual YA writing style was ever so present in this one. ‘ “If this didn’t work...If we just abandoned our friends...” Nadya trailed off, panic snapping at her chest.” I will never understand this over usage of the word “snap”. It’s in every freaking YA book.

You’ve also seen all these characters before. Prince Serefin is the knock off of Nikolai. He also was irritating because the only thing memorable about him is how he gets drunk. I found it hilarious. He was the shining light that entertained me in this dismal book.