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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Okay, let me just start by saying… this book was EVERYTHING. Like, I genuinely didn’t think Melissa could top the first book, but she did. She 100% did. The first book was dark, emotional, and twisted—it hurt my feelings in the best way possible. It had all these themes of growth and love while being super gut-wrenching, and the way it ended was this delicious gray area that had me hooked. So when I picked up this book, I was ready for more heartbreak… but what I got was even better.
This book shifts gears in such an interesting way. Instead of Tessa fighting tooth and nail against her love interest the whole time (which she still does here and there because, hello, enemies-to-lovers), she starts to think smarter. She embraces the power of secrets—because in this world, secrets are currency—and begins playing the game. And honestly? Watching her growth was insane. Like, this girl is becoming an unstoppable force, and I’m so here for it. She’s learning how to navigate this chaotic, trauma-filled world with so much strength, and it’s impossible not to root for her.
Let’s also talk about Theon for a second. Listen, I know some people think he’s the big bad wolf, all darkness and whatnot, but hello, are we reading the same book? The man is literally drowning in trauma. The author does such a good job peeling back his layers in this book. You can see that his intentions are good, even if his actions don’t always land that way (hence the tension with Tessa). And when I tell you I cannot wait for the day these two can actually communicate without all the pain and misunderstandings… they are going to be a POWER COUPLE. Mark my words.
Oh, and can we give a little round of applause for Luka? Like, um, excuse me, is he single? Asking for a friend (the friend is me). He is adorable, and the dynamic between him, Tessa, and Theon is everything. I have no clue where Melissa is taking this trio, but wherever it is, I’m ready to follow.
Speaking of relationships, I have to mention Axel and Katya. Their story was heartbreaking yet so beautiful. Melissa has this way of making you care about every single character, and I love that. Usually, I’m rolling my eyes when a book expands its POVs because I’m like, “Who asked for this?” But here? I was eating it up. Every side character, every subplot, every single page was just so good.
Also, the world-building? INSANE. I already loved it in the first book, but this one expanded on it in such a cool way. The gods, the magic, the politics—it’s all so vivid and well thought out. I’m honestly in awe of Melissa’s brain. She weaves in foreshadowing and plot twists so seamlessly that I’m constantly surprised. Just when you think you have it figured out, BAM—she hits you with another twist.
And let’s not forget how plot-driven this series is. Like, sure, the romance and spice are there, but it’s the PLOT that really shines. There’s so much depth and emotion packed into every chapter. It’s an emotional rollercoaster in the best way possible.
I think with this group of people, they’re honestly finding their way. This book dove into why they are the way they are, but trusting after betrayal is so scary. The chaos in this story perfectly mirrors the messy reality of healing, and that’s what makes their journey so raw and real. It’s a total roller coaster of a book, and I’m so excited to see what comes of them in the next two books to come because healing is hard work.
The only downside? I’m caught up now, and I have to wait for the next book. I’m devastated, but also thrilled because this series has officially stolen my soul. If you haven’t started it yet, what are you even doing? Highly recommend. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book shifts gears in such an interesting way. Instead of Tessa fighting tooth and nail against her love interest the whole time (which she still does here and there because, hello, enemies-to-lovers), she starts to think smarter. She embraces the power of secrets—because in this world, secrets are currency—and begins playing the game. And honestly? Watching her growth was insane. Like, this girl is becoming an unstoppable force, and I’m so here for it. She’s learning how to navigate this chaotic, trauma-filled world with so much strength, and it’s impossible not to root for her.
Let’s also talk about Theon for a second. Listen, I know some people think he’s the big bad wolf, all darkness and whatnot, but hello, are we reading the same book? The man is literally drowning in trauma. The author does such a good job peeling back his layers in this book. You can see that his intentions are good, even if his actions don’t always land that way (hence the tension with Tessa). And when I tell you I cannot wait for the day these two can actually communicate without all the pain and misunderstandings… they are going to be a POWER COUPLE. Mark my words.
Oh, and can we give a little round of applause for Luka? Like, um, excuse me, is he single? Asking for a friend (the friend is me). He is adorable, and the dynamic between him, Tessa, and Theon is everything. I have no clue where Melissa is taking this trio, but wherever it is, I’m ready to follow.
Speaking of relationships, I have to mention Axel and Katya. Their story was heartbreaking yet so beautiful. Melissa has this way of making you care about every single character, and I love that. Usually, I’m rolling my eyes when a book expands its POVs because I’m like, “Who asked for this?” But here? I was eating it up. Every side character, every subplot, every single page was just so good.
Also, the world-building? INSANE. I already loved it in the first book, but this one expanded on it in such a cool way. The gods, the magic, the politics—it’s all so vivid and well thought out. I’m honestly in awe of Melissa’s brain. She weaves in foreshadowing and plot twists so seamlessly that I’m constantly surprised. Just when you think you have it figured out, BAM—she hits you with another twist.
And let’s not forget how plot-driven this series is. Like, sure, the romance and spice are there, but it’s the PLOT that really shines. There’s so much depth and emotion packed into every chapter. It’s an emotional rollercoaster in the best way possible.
I think with this group of people, they’re honestly finding their way. This book dove into why they are the way they are, but trusting after betrayal is so scary. The chaos in this story perfectly mirrors the messy reality of healing, and that’s what makes their journey so raw and real. It’s a total roller coaster of a book, and I’m so excited to see what comes of them in the next two books to come because healing is hard work.
The only downside? I’m caught up now, and I have to wait for the next book. I’m devastated, but also thrilled because this series has officially stolen my soul. If you haven’t started it yet, what are you even doing? Highly recommend. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
dark
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
dark
emotional
medium-paced
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes