I think if I read this pre- or far-post-pandemic, it might easily be a 4 star read ... it's beautifully written and constructed, but I didn't feel like I brought enough focus to it this time round. Still lovely, and recommended if you come across it.

DNF - Maybe if I'd read this directly following book 1, I'd've been okay. I just didn't get at all involved in the next part of the story and couldn't push through.

DNF - could not get through the first 300 pages, at which point according to other reviewers, the story kinda 'kicks in'.