I really liked this book except for a few small things. I really liked the traditional language and culture intertwined with the plot. It helped get into the story. The multiple povs was nice and hearing each character’s thoughts helped learn and understand them on an individual level rather then only through others eyes. 

The author did a really good job of showing that while Zelie was needed for the mission that she was still a child and does not yet fully understand her emotions and what to do with them, although at points it made her seem younger than she was. 

I loved the magic system and the way the different powers were displayed! The story of the gods taking different parts of the mother and that being related to their power, I hope we get to see more/ all the powers eventually. The chanting to the gods was cool and learning the “darker” side with blood magic. 

The thing I disliked the most was the romance between Inan and Zelie because it felt like it developed instantaneously after them hating each other for so long, I would prefer a more slow burn for them and not getting together until the second book. But I do ship Zelie and Amari more than her and Inan tbh. Zelie also became immediately trusting of Inan too quickly for me and was willing to change/abandon her original mission for him. I think it was mostly lust between them but they’re teens so what can u do. 

The cliffhanger was also confusing more than frustrating.

What Midnight Girls thought it was! I liked that book but LOVED this one. The romance was great and it was a very cozy read even with the grief and the action at the end. The imagery and world building was amazing! Loved the honey witch type versus the ash witch.  I tandem read with the audio and ebook and while there was accents it didn’t throw me off as much as some narrators and helped get in the story. 

The romance was very cute and I liked the slow burn of it. The curse was an interesting aspect and how it contributed to the relationship, I felt so bad when Lottie kept getting hurt over and over. 

The spice was good if it wasn’t for the fact that Lottie literally died, but I liked the way she came back, it was interesting. Being stung alive.

I had my suspicions about Lottie from the beginning but I liked the way it had come out. I did not like her aunt at all for obvious reasons. 

The tattoos were a cool touch to Lottie’s character but more should had been done with it. The tattooing scene was hot tho!

 

Lost interest after having to wait to get the book back on Libby. Didn't wow me