This is a reread for me, but the first time I'm listening to the audiobook, and I just remember finding this book is so good, and it held up. I'm such a big fan of this whole series, and going through it again is just reminding me how charming it is. Also, I'm realizing that my eldest nephew is finally old enough to read these books, which I gave him my copies of. I'm so excited for him to hop into this series and enjoy the magic.

Honestly, to most I have to say about this book is that is as still charming as I remember, and I feel like the plot of this book is better than the one before, but I can't remember the rest of the series. In my head, everything is one big book, and I forget the order. Everything that happened in this book really stood out though. I actually thought this all happened later.

I'm really excited to finish the series again, and I'm just in love with it as I was before.

This book was recommended to me and took a while to come off hold, but I finally had a chance to listen to it. I went into this book not knowing anything about it; I hadn't even read the summary. I just listened to my friend and decided to dive in. They said I'd like it, so I believed them.

Luckily, they were right. This book was so interesting and intriguing. I never knew where this book was gonna go. I only guessed one thing and was correct about that, but it was such a minor detail that anyone would've been able to guess it. The reasons were unknown, and that was so fun to learn.

Usually, I like to down books as quickly as possible, but this one, I really enjoyed the slow ride. It was so beautifully written and just as lovely to listen to.

It's just such a unique and interesting story, and I'm happy I finally was able to listen to it.

What a surprise! This book was so good and had such an amazing twist. I'm already recommending this book to some friends who would also enjoy it. However, there is a big thing that needs to be talked about:

This book deals with a lot with gaslighting, and if you have ever been gaslighted or in an abusive relationship, this book may trigger you. I know it triggered me and made me want to take a break. Hearing all those things being said to Nirrim hit me too close to home.

That being said, I don't think the book at all belittles being gaslighted. She really made it feel realistic, and I still wanna recommend the book so others can enjoy it. The ending is just so amazing and I cannot wait to see what happens!

Started listening to this book during my jog, and spent all day listening to it. Not because it was amazing and couldn't put it down, but because I was so busy and listening to a book was the easiest form of entertainment, since I wasn't near a TV and moving around a lot.

I watched the show and decided, like many, to give the book a chance. Honestly, I feel like the show did such a better job at telling this story. It took something that was enjoyable and made it so much more. I know the show ties in other books, so now I need to read the rest, despite hearing some very negative things about this series that I'm not looking forward to.

For a first book, it was very interesting, and the world is fascinating. I already have the 2nd book, so I'll probably be starting that soon. But honestly, I'm more excited about the show than the books.

I'm not afraid to say I'm biased with this book. I went in super excited to read it. I've been so used to listening to books, I almost forgot if I knew how to read a book, and seeing how it took so long. I'm trying to remain unbias with my review though!

First, this book was really good. I loved the plot and all the characters. Everyone had a lot of depth and were so complexed. The plot kept me on my toes too. With everything going on, I was on edge that something terrible was gonna happen around the corner. There were some slow parts, which I usually get through easily when listening, but when reading, it took me longer. However, even the slower parts had some cute moments.

One thing I wish was for a more diverse cast, in that, I wish there were more POC characters.

I'm really excited to see where this series grow and supporting such a wonderful person! And I'm ready to throw this book at all my friends to read! At the end of the day, it's just a lot of fun, and that's the most important thing a book can be.

It's been a while since I've read this series, but for some reason, this is the book I remember the most. The details remain so fresh in my memory, even though it's the 4th book. I must've really enjoyed it when I first read it, and I still enjoy it now. I don't want to say it's my favorite book in the series, because I still need to get through the other books to remember, but this book has such a good plot, and the story flows so well. Going through it just made me so happy, and I can't wait to get through the rest of the series during this reread.

A book recommended to me, and I actually enjoyed it. I was hesitant at first since I felt the premise was odd, but I quickly got hooked. What really got me were all the characters. They really make the book great. All of them felt so real, and I related to a lot of their internal struggles. There were a lot of twists and turns along the way, and all of them were great. I loved learning about all the characters, and I felt like even the darker aspects of the book were handled gently. A lot of the topics are difficult ones to talk about, and they weren't taking lightly, but also they weren't difficult to read or get through. I didn't feel triggered, but rather, I felt understood. I am interested in the rest of the series, and want to know what happens to all the characters.

This was a book my friend asked me to check out so she'd have someone to talk to about it. While it was a bit slow at first, I was so intrigued by the world-building. I was so interested in all these Londons and what was happening.
Quickly, the book picked up, and I found that I finished it. I'm just super excited to start the next book and see what happens. I mainly excited about finding out what happens to all the characters. I just fell in love with them and really want to know what they're gonna do next.

It really sucks that the TV show is so good for a book that is just... OK, which is putting it nicely. This whole story is set in this amazing world, with amazing magic, and then you come to the main characters and just feel gross and dirty while reading them.

My main reason for giving this book such a low score is because of Mal. Mal is by far the worst love interest I've ever come across. He supposed to be charming because of his insecurities. You're supposed to feel for him, but in reality, he is actually abusive. This insecurity he has isn't cute or charming, it's 100% abusive. His insecurity becomes jealousy, and it leads him to cheat on her. He manipulates her into believing she's doing something wrong in this relationship when she isn't. She is going through something traumatic. He offers her no forgiveness for what she's going through, and he only thinks about himself and how it's hurting him. He is selfish, manipulative, insecure, and abusive.

It is a rare occurrence where I find a book where I love the world and hate the main characters. I'm going to power through because everyone tells me the other books are great, and with different characters. Plus, I want to read the books for the show and compare them. I don't think I can ever forgive book Mal though. I honestly wish I could punch him in the face.

After the tragedy of the last book, I found myself struggling with this book. There was only ONE good character, Nikolai, and he didn't even get to do a lot.

I'm just so amazed that this book, this series, has such incredible world-building and magic, but I can't put into words how much I hate the main characters. Mal and Alina are probably some of the worst characters I've ever read. Mal is an abusive jerk who doesn't deserve any form of love or admiration. He is manipulative and desperately needs a therapist for his insecurities. Then Alina also needs a therapist because the poor girl was completely manipulated by Mal and was willing to do anything for his happiness instead of her own. She deserved happiness, and she never got it. She only got happiness because Mal was happy, and I'm not OK with that.

The only other interesting character was Baghra. Her story was so interesting and so short, so it didn't intrigue me for that long.

This series was just OK. I'm going to be forever flabbergasted that such a beautiful world is full of terribly written characters. It's almost a slap in the face to the world. This world doesn't deserve this treatment at all.

That being said, I'm going to read the other books because the show was very good and made me interested, but I'd be happy if I never have to deal with Alina and Mal, especially Mal, ever again.