Note: this review differs from that linked on my GoodReads.

I enjoyed this book, but not as much as I had hoped I would. This book was on my TBR for a long time, and I was so excited when my NetGalley request was accepted. That being said, this book did not meet my expectations fully.

Em’s back and forth decisions made this book lag a little for me. Every other chapter, her feelings for Creon changed. She’d hate him, then she was in love, then she hated him again. It made it hard for me to enjoy the book with her constant back and forth. Similarly, I felt like there were chapters missing in this book. Things kept getting mentioned that I didn’t remember, so I would back track to reread, but the content just wasn’t there. I felt like this really took from the book because the characters are talking about things we never saw happen, making their actions and thoughts feel less real.

There were some positives to this book though. I really liked how Creon wasn’t able to verbally communicate and the role that played on the story. It added some extra elements of mystery and drama that this story needed. I also loved the magic in this book. The idea that magic relies on colors and just the right color combinations added a great element of intrigue to the story.

While I had negative comments on this book, I absolutely will keep reading the series to see what happens next. The cliffhanger left me wanting to know what happens to the characters, and whether or not Em and Creon are okay.

This book was a great length and kept me on the edge of my seat in the final chapters.

Thank you so much to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for an ARC of this book.

Alternate reviews have been posted on my Goodreads and Instagram, linked below.

all together, I really enjoyed this fantasy book. the magic in it was creative and interesting, and the characters had a lot of chemistry. the storyline didn’t really click for me, but I thought it was an overall pleasant read!

You’ve got me hooked here. I’m a big sucker for the misunderstood, brooding death machine hotties. What drew me in was the complexity of Creon’s backstory. It felt really well thought out and the compassion it elicited from me left me heartbroken for him (not the usual emotional response for me with these type of books). I’m not head over heels for the FMC but I’m hanging on for the next book to see how all the plot lines connect.

Also pleasantly surprised by the labyrinth. A little cheesy at first but it grew on me.