It wasn't eventful but I can see the story building up.

DNFed after 74% (idk why but I don't like contemporary with a tinge of fantasy... so ig realism???? Anyways the romance seems odd and the takes aren't high enough in my mind perhaps it's because I've read too many fantasies

the phylosophical aspect of the book is uncomfortable. And the romance is not to my taste.

“I was coming to realize that beauty— at least as defined by my people— was more of a burden than a gift.”

A SLYTHERIN READ.
-Dark castle atop a mountain
-Attractive villain
-unyielding protagonist
-sister love
-royalty
-brother conflict

This was a masterpiece. This book completely surpassed my expectations. I'd thought it would be a generic YA plot with the same old characters driven by the same objectives as other YA protagonists. However, I am more than happy to say that I was utterly wrong. Even though there were MANY good aspects of the book, there still was a tiny matter perturbing my read.

I find the world quite an original take since it surprised me when I learnt that cities and communities were deep-rooted in an ancient myth that varied from place to place. For example, in Verennia: people lived on the ocean without ever walking on land. They live in boats in the open sea. Whereas in Illara, people have a grounded fear of water, where they even hold their breaths when passing near a body of water in fear of letting the 'water spirits' take over them.
Many superstitions revolve around water. The way the author made it so alive and seem vital to the main character enthralled me into the setting.

I quite frankly was emerged in the story only after a couple of pages. The main character's voice came through prominently and contrasted with her sister's character. I love that the author brought forth the unique bond between siblings throughout the entirety of the book; making it quite clear that the protagonist's sister, Zadie is an important pillar in her life.
Nor, the main character, mirrored my thoughts at each obstacle.
(I'm not good with reviews so imma gush instead please join me in my folly)

¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸ SPOILERS ¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸

ARGHHHH! I just adore the villain! like HOW did Mara Rutherford came up with the idea of such a realistic and profound character. I quite frankly wanted him to have a redeeming arc and kind of start a romance with Nor. I know that he's affectionate towards her, I noticed it from the minuscule gestures and attention he gives her. Though ruthless, he is very messed up. In my ming, Ceren would forever be the right person for Nor.
There many moments where the author could've shown a better image of him. I wanted Nor to start seeing what I saw in him. (Maybe I'm just fangirling)
This brings me to the problem, the ROMANCE between Nor and Talin. First of all, he wasn't very present, the rare times we saw him, he would be just... too mysterious like; how could you fall in love or even get attached to a person you didn't know anything about except for the fact that he was the crown prince's brother. I couldn't even feel the tension between the two love interests. Plus, he seemed like a 2D character compared to Ceren who was thoroughly brought to life with many flaws and quirks. IDK... maybe I'm crazy.
The plot was amazingly executed with an intrigue that kept me turning the pages after 3am. (I finished the book after only two sittings and I CRIED twice during my read which says more than it should.) I can't wait to read the sequel!!!!! May be my wish will be granted in the second book, maybe Ceren would heal from his wound and finally start a devilish romance with Nor.

Mama Mia.
I'm shook.
Fans of the ACOTAR trilogy would rave over this book. No joke.
No spoilers just me gushing...
I was Legit abt to cry at the end when everything unravelled and omg The AUTHOR!!!! She is one hell of an intelligent swindler. *Because* she took overused tropes and remodeled/revisited them in an ingenious way. I'm just fucking speechless. I'm in awe.
I have to warn you that there are elicit scenes and see scenes as well (yes, plural). Anyways, that aside, can I gush over the book?
Just keep on reading if this still interests you.
Okay first of all the main character: Poppy. She isn't the typical character I would root for but... she grew on me after some time; it's mostly due to how the author often makes a retrospection of her and that made me understand Poppy (though I still love tempered and badass main characters, she became a fave).
The plot is well woven through the romance and I didn't feel it too angsty (it was just right). I kept giggling and writhing at the cheesy lines Hawke would pull out. Omg the journal!!! Okay so there is this scene (not a spoiler) where Poppy finds a journal equivalent to fifty shades of grey and Hawke takes it from her which creates a witty banter between them. My stomach hurt from laughing so much.
Ugh I just can't keep gushing about this because it'll take years! And I'm very impatient so... ig I'll write a proper review or gushing (whatever) on my reread. Because YES, I plan on rereading this masterpiece soon.

this is such a guilty pleasure read
i can't help but read these books every year

I like the small twist it brings in more intrigue. HOWEVERRRRR this is still so typical

did not grasp my attention. The Mc was nothing special and the main love interest was a bore. It was a DNF for me.