I am not a huge sci-fi reader so I was excited about this. I enjoy the concept however, I struggle with YA sometimes and this was one of those times. I would love to try this concept in an adult sci-fi instead. I also strongly disliked the main character and the choices she made because they were stupid. I also started to realized that there was a romance being set up and I'm not here for it.

This is my first Alexandria House and I will be continuing the series

Imma be honest though, 

I didn't always like Jo or Big South. While there is never an official third act break up, there are multiple scenes with one of them questioning if the other will leave them when there's either something obvious being ignored or lack of communication. In particular the scene where her ex shows up calling her his wife and it's very obvious that he's abusive but South's (I know that's not actually his name lol) first instinct is to believe him. She then starts spiraling and is contemplating if she should just be her ex husband's mistress when it's clear he doesn't respect her and I just couldn't get on board with that.

I also dislike Jo's best friend at times. Especially the scene where she accuses Jo of being pregnant and AGAIN South just assumes it's accurate instead of asking clarifying questions.

Jo's low self-esteem and insecurity was also a struggle for me. Granted I think they are trauma responses to her marriage, the part where Jo tells South that if he has to let her go for Ella she understands (I agree, his child comes first) but then to go on saying that she doesn't serve any purpose for him anyway................ girl no

This part is just my personal opinion: I joked about him proposing at the award show and then he actually does and I love this for them but the fact that he sang to her and then proposed in front of a large audience on national television made me cringe. DONT GET ME WRONG it was cute but me personally.....hard pass lol

So then I was confused because the very next chapter starts with Jo saying that he's better off without her and I'm like I highly doubt she did anything wrong and it probably has to do with her ex....surprise surprise I was right. And then the bodyguard going off on her saying she's poison and what not.......Two grown men got into a fight. South was defending her (as he should) but she is not responsible for the actions of two grown ass men not to mention the fact that y'all witness her ex attempt to assault her and you're blaming her?? Be so fucking for real

Side note: I was irritated by the scene with South and his brother (Leland?) where the brother says he doesn't want kids and South is like you'll change your mind. And then Leland says he's too selfish.... Not wanting kids is not selfish, parenthood isn't for everyone. If he ends up having a kid I will be pissed

Esther's bitchass needs her ass beat. Who the fuck hides in a closet and records her ex husband having sex? The delusions are out of control with that one. Same with Bugs wife...that man told you from the jump that he still loved someone else and instead of having dignity you chose to stay, have a child, and then release revenge porn? Over a man that don't give a shit about you and told you as much??? Seek therapy

The messy ass twist with Ella's true parentage was shocking but also I didn't like the way that South reacted to Jo knowing. Like she's (going to be) your wife and she respects your decision so why are you making a big deal out of this? Like yeah it was shocking but you had to know she wouldn't really do what she said. 

I'm glad Ella is starting to form a relationship with Jo and Nat. Nat is adorable and the ending overall was satisfying.  

 

Rocco is officially my favorite

This is the only thing that I have disliked by E.A. but I will still continue to read her work

I'm bored. I started reading it physically and soft DNFd but when my library hold for the audio came through I sent it right back

I really enjoy the concept of this world, the magic system, and the intergenerational familial connections. Hell, I even liked the romance f- for the most part. Where I struggled is with the main character and pacing

Rika is dealing with a lot. A literal identity crisis. However, 

I was expecting her to embrace the confidence and self-assuredness of Her Other after the Awakening Ceremony. When that didn't happen I honestly was disappointed. She also just didn't ask enough questions for me. Yes all of this is a lot to take in and the weight of world is being thrusts on her shoulders but a simple "what will happen at my Awakening?" or "how do I claim the gate?' felt critical. 
As far as pacing, it took way took long for her us to find out important information. After the Awakening, when Rainne starts to explain what happened, who the hell decides to go to bed at that moment? Why did it take one million years to learn that Rebati would die when Rika claimed the gate?
Another thing that is definitely a me thing - is the fact that Rika would be thinking about banging Joseph at the worse times. Like sis this is literally life or death. You need to focus instead of asking him if he wants you. 

 

I am still very curious about the other gates and if War is next I definitely want to read it.

I was not expecting that ending

This book has been sitting on my kindle for years and I hate that I waited so long to actually read it!!!
If you are a fan of Criminal Minds, it definitely gives those vibes and it's so enjoyable.

The ending really shocked me but 

from the beginning I didn't really like Hadley. Something about her irritates me. I think part of it may be the fact that this book has me rooting for the unsub and I knew that she would be the one to want to look for into Lana's past. 

 

Can't wait to read book 2!