I absolutely loved this book, I was a little worried as I didn't love The Queen's Rising as much, (I think that age gap made me more uncomfortable than anything because I do remember enjoying the story), but you can clearly see the improvement and love this book. I am also a sucker for a good enemies-to-lovers story so add that and you already won my heart. Plus the idea of dreams/nightmares AND magic, what's not to love?

I adore Clementine, her character is honestly the way I would be if I had magic. Very stubborn and self-assured in what my parents taught me but at the same time very hesitant about what to do... or so I would think I would be. She wouldn't back down from a challenge and always fought for what she believed in, even if she was a little confused about what that was. <spoilers> the half heart to stone was an interesting concept. I do think it showed from the very beginning that Clem was struggling to keep half of her hidden, to pretend that she didn't care/that the smallest thing would still soften her stone heart. Which I think made sense because she was always very sensitive which was clear from the beginning.  

 Phelan was so easy to hate but also love. From the beginning both me and Clem had a weird fascination with him. And I say it was a pretty valid fascination. Being in Clem POV it does limit what we know but even then it is easy to see there is more than meets the eye AND I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED. 

Overall, I really did enjoy it, I was so immersed in the story that I may or may not have forgotten to do anything else like eat... but the story building for a standalone was amazing that it has such potential for so much more.