I really enjoyed this! I had tried to start it two or three times before and ended up DNFing, but I was determined because the bookstagram hype was real and the FOMO was major haha. Even though StoryGraph has it labeled as medium-paced, it felt slower just because I couldn't go too fast for fear of missing out on lovely imagery, important character development, and necessary world-building. It definitely wasn't for lack of quality, and I wasn't opposed to taking my time soaking it all up.

I've heard that the series really gets good after the first book, and I can see that because it wasn't quite a five-star read for me but I also feel like the storyline and development were necessary. And without mentioning any spoilers, I feel that what was lacking in certain aspects of the story was written that way for a reason.

But anyway! I'm so glad I finally finished it and am finally reading this series! I've already started A Court of Mist and Fury and am already LOVING it even more.