This series is growing in depth like I thought it would. I read the last 40% via audiobook and may have missed some things (like where did Ryber come from at the end). But not big events. In the first book it felt like we got a look at Iseult and Safi in their immaturity. And I guess everyone else. But you can see them growing up due to their experiences. Merrick and Aeduan as well. I liked meeting Vivia and learning more about the Hell-Bards and Vaness. Very curious about Owl, those silver coins, and what's the emporer, Safi's uncle and the raider king all got up their sleeves. There's clearly shit going on at the adult tables these kids don't know about. 

 

Mercy be going through it. I thought one of the bad guys was being saved for another book. Glad that's didn't happen. Really like the dual plot lines going on here and the discussion regarding relationship roles and perfection. There was some left overs from the previous book, which I think wrapped up too nicely for me. So seeing the "consequences" (for lack of a better word) in this one made me happy. Though they weren't happy consequences.

Putting this here for myself: I recently read that one star review by Angela on Burn Bright and the many comments and it's brought to my attention something I don't know how to process for this universe. Changing how I see a character which is upsetting but I'm not upset about the character, if that makes sense. I just don't believe the change.

Anyway, one thing some were upset about is how it makes Mercy that woman everyman wants. I don't feel that way. Or didn't. But now I feel like I have to question and eye all of them. In this book Adam mentions his jealousy and I feel like that's all on him. I think the plotline with Underhill backs me up in a way. Mercy is interesting. She's powerful in an odd way and she thinks and acts a little bit outside the norm than what most do in this universe. And that's attractive. I think many want to own her or be around her. But it's a different type of attractiveness than infatuation or regular every day want.

Beyond that, I as always, really like how PB weaves (ha) the myths, legends, folk tales into the storyline. I kind of guessed who it would be but it was not straightforward and I like that. My favorite Ben is in this a lot so yay but not. Also I want to move to this fictional world to be friends with Kyle.

 

I'm going to call this finished though I didn't read it cover to cover. I don't think it's meant to be. I did read roughly half of it. It's a good book to give you ideas for self care based on your zodiac sign. I think the best parts are the first two sections though. You get a quick primer on astrology, heavily zodiac focused. Which makes sense. And in my opinion the break down of elements and self care types for each made more sense than the details for each sign in particular. You also get a breakdown of what self care is and the different types. As for the the self care ideas themselves, they run the gamut from off the wall to obvious in each sign. Some are explained well others not. Not a bad book. It does what it says it will and is mostly well written.

I really enjoyed this. I guess this is strangers to friends to lovers? Still getting the hang of these tropes. But I am definitely going to continue these Elle Kennedy books. 

 Well, that was a lot of unexpected things.