The City of Stardust. Oh, the promise this book holds.

Once a generation, an Everly walks into the dark, compelled by the shadow beside them and they do not return. Terrified at the idea of her days being numbered, Violet Everly is doing everything she could to break her family curse and escape death. But with so little knowledge of the world, as her two uncles are so keen to keep her hidden in hope of safety, and her mother's disappearance with absolutely zero clue; she ought to seek help from people she barely knows.

The prose are hauntingly beautiful. Yet so many parts of the book lead the readers blindly from one door to the next, it's getting to the point where it feels frustrating, especially the switch from one point of view to the next is not shown clearly. Unanswered questions left in the wake.

I feel like this could be written in two books, because there are so many things to explore and the pacing feels rushed. I would love to know more about her uncles, Gabriel and Ambrose. What convinced Ambrose to give Violet permission is getting a job, what kind of job Gabriel does when he leaves home. And most of all, I want to learn more about Penelope. Her feelings, her life before. And the astrals.

I love Violet's character, she is strong. I find her fascination towards fairy tales and desire for adventure endearing. Overall it's still a gorgeous book with impressive writing despite its minor flaws.

Thank you HodderBooks for the ARC!