Wow. What a phenomenal story. I was captivated from page one! Time passed so quickly while I read this book; I never needed to glance at a page and wonder when the chapter would end so I could mark my place and do something else. I was completely invested in the plot, the cast of characters, and the mysterious ailments that affect Cadence. 

I don't get how people could call this a lighthearted or cozy read. This book does start with a simple enough exposition, with Jack returning to his home after being summoned by his clan leader. But what unravels after Jack's bittersweet homecoming is equal parts riveting and unpredictable. The imagery that the author describes certainly reveals a quaint magical land with deeply connected communities, however Cadence is on the brink of a civil war. Young girls are going missing left and right and seemingly no one is to blame and yet everyone is a suspect! There's so many secrets and betrayals intertwined in Cadence's foundation, I feared once the full truth is revealed it would cause so much internal and external strife that the land (and its people) won't be able to recover from. Every single POV the reader is introduced too has a part to play in unraveling the strings barely holding these secrets from the light. It all comes crashing in a gripping conclusion that had me literally using my hand to read line by line, lest I accidentally spoil myself by jumping ahead! I was overcome with so many emotions while reading this novel, it's a true wonder why I can't understand how this could be a lighthearted read for anyone, LOL. 

Safe to say, I loved this book. Rebecca Ross is a true talent; all the hype surrounding this novel is appropriate. I'm so tempted to start A Fire Endless when I'm done with this review but I really want to just sit with this ending for a few hours before I venture forward. I can't wait!!