I have mixed feelings about this book. Because it wasn't a perfect book, it was a weird mix of some pretty dark themes and extremely cozy village vibes.

But there is something about Blackthorn and Grim that resonates with me. Something I think will stick with me for a long time.

Because, Blackthorn and Grim are broken. And broken in different ways. But what does that mean? Blackthorn isn't the type of broken where she's given up. You know what I mean, the ones who break by becoming weak and stop resisting. No, Blackthorn broke in a way where everything good and right inside burned to a crisp. And there is nothing but rage and fury left.

And this isn't a story of healing. This isn't a story where someone is given a new start in a cozy little village and suddenly things is better.

No, there is a little healing. But, like real life, healing from this type of damage is a very slow one. And some things may never return.

But, Blackthorn also judged herself far worse than anyone else, because a lot of that hatred and fury she kept inside. Bottled, and leaking. She is better than she thinks she is. And that was.. a powerful subtle message.

I think I will always love this book, because I saw part of my own past brokenness in Blackthorn. I saw the same fury and hatred that used to possess my bones.

I also love that the story wasn't one of love between Blackthorn and Grim. I'm not sure I entirely understand Grim's devotion or where it's coming from. But it was never sexual or romantic. It was just two souls that felt more restful together.

Pro - Book made me laugh multiple times
Con - Litrpg lite
Con - Author used images to show statboxes making them nearly unreadable

I felt the author didn't handle the timeskips well in the book, most weren't very well described so it didn't feel like the book took place over the period of 1 year +

It also isn't very forgiving on giving hints as to who is who as the book starts dropping ten different names and characters and expects you to have just finished reading the first book

It also skips most of the combat in the story, there are hours and weeks of combat that the author doesn't bother describing and instead focuses on the identity crises that the MC struggles through. The trauma of getting portaled, and the trauma of having your body changed by stats.

Which became pretty tiresome after awhile. Honestly this was closer to an 3/5 read for me, litrpg wise, but it did make me laugh multiple times and kept me engaged enough to read it in a single sitting. So I'll give it an 4/5

I didn't read the prologue until after the book was finished (due to the warning), and I regret reading it. It gave so much spoilers I hope I forget it by the time the next book comes. But it DID give a good reasons why the entire book was so goddamn emo, it's essentially a story written by the MC and he wanted to underline the "conversation that started me on becoming who I am today"

So identity crises and personality meltdowns was kind of the point.
But I DIDN'T need to know 2 of his future classes, or who he is going to end up marrying in the end.