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4.18 AVERAGE
4.18 AVERAGE
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
still enjoyable and not terrible in the slightest but why did i still enjoy the first third of the auction more than this published work
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Amazing book! Everything Rain Of Shadows and Endings wanted to be — but never could be.
No silly fairies, no almighty gods (which are in nearly every fantasy book these days) — just magic that’s actually woven into the world, with people building their lives and politics around it.
Our FL? She’s not some spoiled brat whining and making dumb choices. NO — SHE ACTUALLY tries to improve her situation with brains and effort. I loved that so much: no endless complaining, but planning, risk-taking, and smart moves that have real consequences. Sad times to live in when you have to highlight that.
The political intrigue works. The world feels organic: magic has weight, institutions react to it, and the power dynamics make sense. No random plot twists just for drama — instead, moves that feel earned. The pacing is solid, and the sad parts land well, making the highlights shine even more.
Spice? Very minimal. And I loved that — the book feels complete and balanced, not like it’s chasing shock value. It stays focused on character development and the actual story.
Is it the most original story ever told? No. But is it executed really well? Absolutely. Great character work, consistent world logic, and a protagonist who actually thinks — what more do you want?
Why just 4 stars? Honestly, the fanfiction roots are obvious. Especially the names pulled me out of the immersion now and then, and the inspirations behind the plot were a bit too clear at times. Still, overall it was really well done.
No silly fairies, no almighty gods (which are in nearly every fantasy book these days) — just magic that’s actually woven into the world, with people building their lives and politics around it.
Our FL? She’s not some spoiled brat whining and making dumb choices. NO — SHE ACTUALLY tries to improve her situation with brains and effort. I loved that so much: no endless complaining, but planning, risk-taking, and smart moves that have real consequences. Sad times to live in when you have to highlight that.
The political intrigue works. The world feels organic: magic has weight, institutions react to it, and the power dynamics make sense. No random plot twists just for drama — instead, moves that feel earned. The pacing is solid, and the sad parts land well, making the highlights shine even more.
Spice? Very minimal. And I loved that — the book feels complete and balanced, not like it’s chasing shock value. It stays focused on character development and the actual story.
Is it the most original story ever told? No. But is it executed really well? Absolutely. Great character work, consistent world logic, and a protagonist who actually thinks — what more do you want?
Why just 4 stars? Honestly, the fanfiction roots are obvious. Especially the names pulled me out of the immersion now and then, and the inspirations behind the plot were a bit too clear at times. Still, overall it was really well done.
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
dark
emotional
fast-paced
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Very slow moving at the start but once you get into it and keep reading don’t want to put it down. Too bad the second book isn’t out until 2026