I would recommend this to anyone who wants a “brain-off” sort of predictable but nonetheless enjoyable romantasy book. My overall impression was: “ok, sure. fine.”

I picked it up on a whim for the MMC in a helmet (because who didn’t watch the Mandalorian and go “oh.. is this… doing something for me?”), but was underwhelmed by the story.

The world itself didn’t get fleshed out enough for me to really understand why the characters were doing what they’re doing—the commander especially. (Why is HE there? What is his job? Who does he command? Who does he answer to? What are his motivations?)

And then when it came to Ferren’s “green light” gift, the descriptions were so vague, I couldn’t get a real sense of what was supposed to be happening. I suppose the lack of clarity is sort of clumsily dealt with every time Ferren herself just shrugs and essentially goes “I don’t know how it works either,” which was disappointing.

All in all, it kept my attention, but there wasn’t much about the story that made it truly memorable. The helmeted MMC was the only real draw, and he wasn’t even given the depth he deserved.