This book has such an enjoyably dark atmosphere and unique magic system. I read the last 75% in one day because I could not put it down! The ending was an excellent setup for the next book.

The reasons I didn't give 5 stars:

Hauth just did not cut it for me as a villain, very one dimensional and predictable. Also, the reveal of the Nightmare's identity was a bit obvious and it seemed like it would have been figured out much earlier by Elspeth.

These were fairly minor but annoyed me quite a bit since the rest of the book was so well done.

I immediately picked up the next book, glad I started this after the sequel was released!

Content Warnings

bookmarkyourthoughts's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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edilyaaang's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Easily 5 stars.

It was a little confusing at the first few chapters because of the world building. But when you get past that, it will take your breath away.

This had me at the edge of my seat, holding my breath the entire time. How the story unfold was perfection. I didn't even expect to cry but I did at the last part.

This was a very great read to start the new year and I can't wait to read the second book!

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bobin's review against another edition

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fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated

2.5

Very ya novel- you can't use the powers too often, or you suffer grave consequences, but people use them for jokes, and when they have other options? Romance is a little forced too. A fun, light hearted read, but not my favorite.

Content Warnings

marzreadz2's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Content Warnings

camiclarkbooks's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Very reminiscent of “For the Throne,” but not quite as well executed.

The magic system is so unique and Gillig did a great job with her world building. The characters use “trees” as a curse word, which was such a fun touch for a fantasy world with a cursed forest.

I like a vulnerable heroine, one whose strength evolves over the series, but I was really unimpressed by Elspeth.

She was constantly complaining about the Nightmare in her head (valid), but at the first whiff of trouble she was screaming for his help. And then went right back to whining about him. It could have just been the voice the narrator chose to use for Elspeth, but she was just an endlessly whiny baby.

Gillig’s debut definitely had promise—the world was interesting and grounded, the magic system was interesting, and the plot was great. But her characters (her many, many main characters) were so flat that it ultimately fell short in my eyes.

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readbyjaimes's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

One of my new favorite fantasy worlds!!!

This book is the spooky magical gothic world of my dreams. The folktale style and the Providence cards. The rich world that you are brought into isn't overwhelming and the world-building feels really natural. This whole book felt like a foggy autumn afternoon with a cup of tea. It was honestly such a good reading experience.

The love story between Ravyn and Elspeth was so well done too. As an avid romance reader, I thought that it was really done and well balanced with the other things going on in the book. I loved going on adventures with them and seeing their bond grow.

Also, the side characters are not to be ignored! They were so damn good! I was not only invested in Elspeth and Ravyn's story, but also Elm, Ione, and all of the Yew's.

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