smpaskin 's review for:

In the Wake of the Wicked by V.B. Lacey

5.0

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(This was a reread and somehow I loved it even more the second time)

Rose is an outcast alchemist with sharp edges and a soft heart she keeps buried deep. She’s clever, powerful and a little bit broken.

Then there’s Leo—protective, patient, half shifter (yes, he has a tail), and fully obsessed. He sees her, all of her, and stays. Cue the emotional damage.

We’ve got:

⚗️ deadly tournament between six provinces

🖤 found family vibes

🌒 a curse that needs breaking

🗯️ “who did this to you” energy

🐺 morally good golden retriever MMC with a savior complex

💔 a girl learning she doesn’t have to be alone

Wicked the Musical vibes. Emotional chaos.

I already loved this book—but the reread wrecked me (in the best way).