Great First Book in Romantasy Series With Unique Magic System
Let me tell you, THE PAGES FLEW BY LIKE NOTHING!!!! This was so easy to read and I didn’t want to put the book down! I was hooked from the very first chapter. The magic system was so interesting. Not just what Ivy can do with her illusion magic, also Baylor (even though I still wonder how this counts as illusion) or Thorne’s magic were very cool. I really like animal companions and his snakes felt a little like them. The way they wrap around Ivy’s legs? I actually squealed. I hope we’ll get to see more different kinds of magic and get to know more of the other islands or even visit them!
Otherwise, Thorne was pretty great, too. Shadow daddy, morally gray, dark, broody, mysterious. Do I have to say more? Don’t think so either. He’s honest with Ivy concerning his feelings (otherwise, he understandably has so many secrets AND I WANT TO KNOW ALL OF THEM!!!). I’m still curious what he and Ivy actually are, because they were some small hints that they’re actually more than romantic partners. Mates trope in book 2???!?!?! Their flirty banter was top tier. It was so great to see how Ivy could open up to Thorne, even though she still keeps a lot to herself. I screamed at my book when she thought about opening up to him more but then she said she couldn’t. Even if you’re a strong woman, it’s ok to rely on others. Ivy still has to accept that lesson, but because of her backstory, I totally understand why she can’t (yet). Also, I love the assassin fmc, I eat that trope up every time.
Baylor was absolutely detestable. From the first to the last page, I hated him. But he actually surprised me at the ending!
Griffin and (surprisingly to me) Darrow were great side characters, too. They’re giving Carrion/Ridoc/Cassian vibes, but are still their own person. Otherwise, I can already see the found family trope taking root in his book!
The ending was mind blowing! The plot twists (which I did NOT see in fact coming) has my brain in knots. I thought a specific revelation was coming. It kind of did, but NOT in the way I expected! The meaning completely flipped and my jaw was on the ground. I stared into nothingness afterwards a little, too. It left me craving more, can’t wait for book 2!!!
Otherwise, Thorne was pretty great, too. Shadow daddy, morally gray, dark, broody, mysterious. Do I have to say more? Don’t think so either. He’s honest with Ivy concerning his feelings (otherwise, he understandably has so many secrets AND I WANT TO KNOW ALL OF THEM!!!). I’m still curious what he and Ivy actually are, because they were some small hints that they’re actually more than romantic partners. Mates trope in book 2???!?!?! Their flirty banter was top tier. It was so great to see how Ivy could open up to Thorne, even though she still keeps a lot to herself. I screamed at my book when she thought about opening up to him more but then she said she couldn’t. Even if you’re a strong woman, it’s ok to rely on others. Ivy still has to accept that lesson, but because of her backstory, I totally understand why she can’t (yet). Also, I love the assassin fmc, I eat that trope up every time.
Baylor was absolutely detestable. From the first to the last page, I hated him. But he actually surprised me at the ending!
Griffin and (surprisingly to me) Darrow were great side characters, too. They’re giving Carrion/Ridoc/Cassian vibes, but are still their own person. Otherwise, I can already see the found family trope taking root in his book!
The ending was mind blowing! The plot twists (which I did NOT see in fact coming) has my brain in knots. I thought a specific revelation was coming. It kind of did, but NOT in the way I expected! The meaning completely flipped and my jaw was on the ground. I stared into nothingness afterwards a little, too. It left me craving more, can’t wait for book 2!!!