Kept reading cause it seems like Story was finally going to arrange the deaths of the Lords and Ted. But then she went back to them at the end so I won’t be reading anymore

Quality mafia romance novel. I had 0 interest reading mafia romance novels due to the sexist aspect of the books and that many of them just jump right into the forced marriage trope and sex. But this one took its time and got me used to the idea of Nico and Elena together. I enjoyed it despite the sexist parts about it.

This book took the longest to get through, not because of its length but of the heaviness of what was happening. So many characters I loved and was worried would not make it to the happy ending.

I hated that all the work to get the Wyrdkeys and forge the Lock was for naught. And after losing so many pieces of herself, I hated Aelin losing that fire that she worked to long to accept and not fear. That’s what truly gutted me. Overall, an incredibly epic journey I’m happy to have taken. I loved the series and though this book is not the best of the series, it was beautifully written and a great ending.

This book was good. A bit slow, but it sets the scene and tone for what’s to come. I like Emilia but wished she worked harder on her magic; I’m still not sure what the magic system even is for witches in this series. Wrath was a confusing character and I have no idea where he stands and I’m incredibly confused about this curse. I’m hoping the next book answers these questions cause despite this book’s shortcomings, I’m intrigued.

I love the concept and it is a typical first book of a series in that it is a lot of just information and character introductions. I wish there was a more focus on the relationship building between the characters during their two weeks of trekking through Sharr. I very much appreciated the glossary and wish all fantasy books had them. I enjoyed the snarkiness and sarcastic comments made between Altair, Zafira, and Nasir. It reminds me of Reid, Lou, and Beau in Serpent & Dove. 
 
I don’t mind the YA clichés of this book, I’m not looking for authors to constantly reinvent the wheel and I don’t mind the retelling of the same stories with different settings and characters and magic systems. I read this books because I’m tired of those same stories starring white, cisgendered, straight people. Additionally, this book had some unique qualities I don’t often see in other mainstream fantasy books. I’m hoping the second book is even better and look forward to reading it.