This a great romantasy that is leaning towards adult, but there are definitely feels like YA at play. Overall, I found the premise very interesting and the book relatively did keep my interest! I would say for the first 50% of the book, I was pretty intrigued. 

As mentioned by other reviewers, the pacing was not my favorite. It felt like the plot was not going anywhere for a bit, then would pick up, and then slow down a bit. We get the beginnings of a found family, and we spend a lot of time getting to know some of the side characters at the expense of the plot. Regarding the romance, I was really enjoying that part. If anything, the ending redeemed itself to me! Based on that, I feel like I have to get to the next book and hopefully the plot keeps moving forward and providing those twists! 

 Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review! 

I think the most dazzling part of this book is the atmosphere and world that Saft has built in this book, although I do think it lacked depth. When first introduced to the magic system, I thought it to be new, but I don't know if it was really delved into. I found the characters, especially Lorelai to be unique in how she included folktales in her character development. It had such a distinctive voice compared to other books I have read and I enjoyed that this was more adult from the author. 

Plot wise, I did struggle a bit. I think what really compelled me was the characters and the romance. I think I ended up forgetting it was a murder mystery for a large part of it. Definitely moreso of a fantasy book with romance and hints of murder mystery. I also wished we had more of them together at the ending since it was suchh a slowburn. But regardless, the romance was my favorite part! While not my favorite of Saft's books, it definitely deserves a place on my bookshelf. 

 Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review! 

Overall, I enjoyed this book but I don't feel like it really compelled me to keep reading. I did feel like I had to push through it, especially at the beginning of the book. 

The romance isn't... my favorite. I will say the world-building and the actual plot is unique, especially the main character's powers and the death magic. Generally, I like characters that are morally grey and I find it makes an interesting story. However, the main romantic interest, is just not up my alley. I found it strange how much the main character gravitated towards them and all of the things she excused. Because of that, I had a hard time believing in the romance and that she couldn't see past what he was doing. 

Of course, the ending is what brought me back into the story and piqued my interest again. It definitely made me want to read what happens next! However, I'm undecided on getting the sequel due to my struggles throughout the beginning of this book. 

Thank you to  Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine  and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!