“For the ones who dream of stranger worlds.”

Solid, if not as life-changing as I might have hoped.

I've found a bit of a mixed bag with V.E. Schwab's works (didn't care for Addie LaRue, The Near Witch, or City of Ghosts but really enjoyed This Savage Song and Gallant) so I was hesitant going into this one, but I wanted to love it. It was one of those books that I just felt like I'd love.

And... while I can't say I'm leaving this book in love, I did enjoy it quite a bit!

This is a book that focuses a great deal on atmosphere (which I love) though it sometimes felt like it came at the price of me connecting with the characters or story. The tone of the story and the setting was incredibly well-crafted, but the villains felt evil just for being evil and the other pieces of the story seemed to fall into place rather conveniently. And the character I found most interesting was a side character and barely focused on.
(Also, side note, I see why everyone says Lila Bard has "not like other girls" syndrome, but I couldn't help but wonder if this was meant to be read as her questioning/struggling with her gender identity?)

Despite my criticisms, this is a good book. I see why it's so well-beloved, even if I didn't connect with it as much as I'd hoped. The world(s) and magic system are incredibly interesting and I could see growing to care for the characters more as I continue with the series.

Overall! This was good, I liked it. The hype may have done it a bit of disservice, but not so much that it ruined my enjoyment. I look forward to reading book 2.