I feel super neutral about this book. Like it had some flaws, but some good stuff too? I can see why it's popular, but uh, I don't think I'll be watching the show any time soon haha.

Pros:

🦌 Really interesting setting with Russian opulence inspiration
🦌 An understandable magic system
🦌 Probably one of the most developed villains I've read in a long time

Cons:
🦌 Mal and Alina's relationship is basically the red flag version of childhood friend romance trope
🦌 Romance in general in this book is . . . well, dry and unbelievable at best. Creepy at worst
🦌 Alina

In all, I'll keep going with this series because I want to see where it goes.