Cat Winters is one of those authors that when you hear she has a book coming out you mark your calendar to be prepared since she knows how to entertain. This latest offering on the YA alter only adds to that ideal.

She has this way of writing so descriptively the world is painted before your eyes pulling you into the story and keeping you on your toes with twists and turns coming at you throughout her plot but with only enough to keep you guessing as to where she could be taking you. Just when you think you’ve one upped her and figure it all out she throws something else at you to keep you off balance.

This story wasn’t as quick paced right away as some of her others but it didn’t take long to reach the level needed to hit all the emotional sweet spots. I loved how she developed the relationship between Od and Tru and showcased their complex family history. Through their stories you’re often left wondering who to believe as their lives seemed so very different but Winters doesn’t force you to take sides as ultimately this is a journey about them both. She’ll have you emotionally invested in the characters so be prepared because this is one hell of an adventurous ride which ends perfectly and leaves you wishing there could be more adventures with Od & Tru.

Thank you very much for the advanced copy.
This book is not what it seems. When looking at the cover, it feels like it may be a Holly Black type title, a modern fairytale. However, there are two storylines running parallel. One is, in fact, a fairy tale of two very brave sister's of monster-crushing heritage with a magical bag on the hunt to fulfil their destiny. It's an exciting, even if by the numbers, hero (ine) quest. Great story.
What makes this book special is the hard-hitting family saga lying beneath the surface of that magic. There's infidelity and sex and illness and financial commentary dealing with the role of women at the turn of the century. Od's tale of woe and redemption is heartwrenching bit also uplifting.
I only have three stars because I am not sure to whom I should recommend this book. The cover feels like it's teen or YAD however it would be possibly more interesting to adults given the depth of the layers. It's uncertain bit, whoever picks it up and gives it a go will be in for a treat.

This book took me by surprise. I thought it was going to be a let's-go-hunt-monsters type of story but it's more focused on the character development of both main characters and the change from chilhood to adulthood.
There is a great sister relationship that I adored reading and one of my favourite parts is how it's got no romance at all but it's more focused on how they take care of each other despite having gone through a lot (especially Odette).
The beginning was a bit slow and it took me a bit more to get into the story, and I have to say I started enjoying it more once we reached the second half of the book.
It still had some things I didn't expected and I really liked the ending.

The book was very well written, and I really loved the atmosphere throughout. I just wanted a little more from the storyline itself, but overall a good read.