What an absolutely incredible book. It took me a long time to read this just because life has been a struggle but every moment I was invested. I don't think I have any complaints about this book besides the fact that sometimes the worldbuilding and info we got felt like a little info dumpy because it was often given to us through dialogue but even then it was sprinkled well throughout the book to not feel too overwhelming. 

I think the thing that struck me the most about this book was Tracy Deonn's INCREDIBLE writing and prose. It was beautiful and lyrical without being so extremely overpowering with flowery writing. The way she writes and describes grief is both heart wrenching and so beautiful. I tabbed and annotated so many moments and quotes.

The worldbuilding was fantastic in this with the magic system, the secret societies, the Arthurian legends woven into all of it. I can't wait to dive into and learn more in the sequel. 

I also really appreciate the social commentary woven into this story. There was no shying away from the real history of what black people went through in America, especially with this book taking place in the south and the generational trauma that effects Bree in the modern day. Bree is such an incredible and powerful young character and I loved every moment of seeing her development and growth in this first book of a series. 

A few chapters in it was so obvious why this book is so popular and so loved and I cannot wait to dive into the sequel and the rest of the series.