I will admit that I struggled to get into this book. I'm not sure what caused it and I am hesitant to blame the book because it was honestly so amazing. But I found that I had to force myself to pick it up. That being said, once I really got into it (around the 50% mark), I didn't want to put it down,

This book is an amazing blend of dark academia, heavy world building, a plot for the ages and one of the most unique magic systems that I have seen in a while. Magic based around tarot? YES PLEASE! I especially loved that even though it could have been a super complicated magic system, the author does a great job of keeping it balanced with being extensive, yet mostly easy to follow.  She does include a guide in the back of the book of each of the cards and their power, which is helpful to reference when I found myself getting a bit lost. 

I thought the author does a great job at balancing a tropes in a way that doesn't feel "tropey". Found family, though they play a bit of a backseat through most of the story, and a fake engagement with one's enemy that clearly will lead down a very particular path. 

I do wish that we had a bit more time with the Prince, understanding his motivations and character, but overall I am decently pleased with him as an MMC.

I am so excited for book 2