This book started off well and got even better as it went on.  Despite some very familiar tropes that I've been reading lots of lately, this book felt new and fresh and I was hooked from the first page.  The book is sold as Upper YA Fantasy Romance and has done a great job establishing itself for that demographic.  This was pretty low(no)-spice compared to my usual reads, but Kathryn has set up some intriguing storylines moving forward. I absolutely loved Briar, the kickass FMC.  She held her own and I was rooting for her the whole time.  One of my favourite parts of the book was the friendship that formed between Kenna and Briar.  It would have been so easy to make them "enemies" and paint Kenna as the "other girl" but their relationship blossomed despite their circumstances.  The world-building was straightforward, but effective, giving you just enough to leave you wanting more.  And that ending?  Don't even get me started! My only complaint about the book is now I must wait for the next one!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

🌶️/5

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Enemies-to-Lovers

Found Family

Dark Academia

Enchanted Forest

Shifters

Unlikely Allies

Demons & Destruction

St@bby Side Characters

Witty Banter