This book isn’t a murder mystery but a slow soap drama drawn out to a ridiculous length. An adequate summary of the book summarizes at the length of one word per page. 

The story is told in time blocks, one in the past, walking chronologically through events since their arrival at the lodge, and the other in the present, walking through the discovery that there has been a murder. I think if it wasn’t for the past time block, this book would feel unreadably slow. So rather than a “whodunit”, it’s a rehashing of past drama so the reader can guess which piece was worth killing over.

Part of what makes this book so difficult to read is the unlikable and unrelatable characters. Everyone is a rich bitch or a loner with a troubled past. There is very little depth to anyone. With multiple POVs, it’s a shame there isn’t one to enjoy.

Finally, the “twists” aren’t really twist. They’re heavily implied and while there are many red herrings, they didn’t dissuade me. As someone who loves mystery- true Agatha Christie level mystery, this isn’t for me. It’s more similar to the likes of Verity.

Sassy swordfighter reluctantly teams up with her life long enemy necromancer for a mysterious trial.

Gideon is quite a funny character who lended such a great lens to the audience. Many of the other characters were less humorous but with very unique personalities that lead to interesting dynamics.

In typical sci-fi fashion, I had a hard time remembering whose name referred to whom but the magic system and world building wasn’t too complicated.

Mystery and twists and turns are always a joy in sci-fi. This book also had good pacing up until the end which just had so many things going on! If you’ve read this and want to message me about the ending, please do.

I recommend this book to readers of The Abyss Surrounds Us, and those who enjoyed this book to read The Abyss Surrounds Us.