I stopped writing my response to further ponder my feelings on this book to see if I could find better words to describe the rollercoaster this book sent me on.

I will say first and foremost, and I wasn't expecting the twist this book gave me. As someone who often has caught wind of the twist long before it is revealed, this was refreshing.

But what I honestly loved with this book was the "Found Family" vibes I left this book with. While it isn't what I'd typically expect of a found family where it's the friends you make along the way. It more played into childhood whimsy where a mysterious person shows up and sweeps you away, informing you your life so far has been incorrect.

I also found the "magic" system incredibly interesting overall. While definitely a concept that has been explored before to some extent. It was an interesting take nonetheless.

I felt that the ending was incredibly lackluster and didn't meet the buildup level there was for it.