I feel like I'm too mean to this book

First things first: I despise the darkling. I despised how this entire book was essentially Alina being creeped on, used, and manipulated by a man whom she admired and “loved”. I hated how Mal was a total Dick to her and couldn’t be happy that she was happy, because he seemed to be much happier for her when she was miserable but he couldn’t seem to tell. I do think Mal cared about her, but I don’t think that their paths in life worked together which makes me a bit sad.
I didn’t hate it, but I’ve certainly read things I liked more. It’s a great introduction to the Grishaverse, but it certainly had its flaws! I really do like Leigh Bardugo though ,I love her

Let it be known that in order to get any schoolwork done while reading this book I had to put it out of my like of sight, or else I would just read it instead of doing anything else.

Oh my god

I love this when I read it, but I don’t think I would like it now. It’s insufferably slow paced and the characters are cartoonishly culty

There is just something so truly magical and breathtakingly unique about this book. I will always be amazed by it.