I love when you read a book that reminds you why you love reading, specifically the genre. As a lover of the darker side of faerie lore, this book was a joy to read. The writing captures the dreary, damp atmosphere so well it made me feel like I was rotting in a crumbling cottage myself. I enjoyed Effy as one of the most tangible and real characters in fantasy I've read; each of her characteristics are understandable from the things she's been through, like her prejudice towards Preston, her devotion to the particular fae novel, and the trauma she struggles with. Her growth was satisfying to read, as well as her back and forth banter with Preston, who is such a sweet love interest that genuinely cared for Effy. For me, the ending did feel a bit rushed, as well as some of the fantasy elements. Then again, this was less of a fantasy book but more of a fantasy psychological thriller, with the confusion between reality and fiction that even drew me in. I also really enjoyed the literary critiques and the scholarly world, it made the book all the more easy to believe.

I'm really excited that there's gonna be a sequel, and in Preston's POV! There's a lot of hidden depths about him, I think.