Beautiful. This word encompasses this entire story for me. It is beautiful from start to end. It is beautiful in its writing, in its world-building, in its dialogue, and in its beautiful leads. Just beautiful.

The world the author has created here is lush, immersive, and captivating. At times it did feel a bit info-heavy, but I was always patient in slowing down to ensure I fully engaged with the material. I didn't want to miss a single nook or cranny in what was born within this world. It was magic, it was heartbreak, it was hope. There is so much to devour from the world created.

And there are some magnificent characters to fill this world.

I loved Lan. I loved that she wasn't the typical super strong, wise, has-all-the-answers protagonist. Instead, she learns as she goes along. She makes mistakes, has shortcomings, mouths off to the point she gets herself in trouble, and I loved her for it. Loved her! She felt multi-dimensional, relatable, and inspiring. She was easy to get to know because she was this beautiful open book (minus those hidden secrets). She was so earnest in learning (even if she fell asleep a few times during important lessons, ha!). I loved her journey because it never went static, she was an evolving lead.

Then there's Zen. He's complex, brooding, guarded, and intriguing. So very intriguing. I did not get to know him in the same way as Zen. His character wasn't easy to crack, but when he's on the page he had my full attention. His character's allure is irresistible, and his arc produces more questions than answers. Yet I felt committed to go to the end of the line with his journey.

My qualms are mere nitpicks. I didn't fully feel Lan and Zen's chemistry fully unlocked in their burgeoning romance. I think I would have enjoyed more romance--more love story-- to develop, it felt it was from a very lengthy, cautious camaraderie to sudden, rushed late game romance. Other nitpicks include how I did not quite understand a choice Lan made, as it felt rather contradicting to a big moment she has prior to it. And the book felt a bit too long. I actually believed I was reading a standalone until it became clear this is only the beginning.

Yet, those qualms feel minor, because, indeed....this is only the beginning. The above nitpicks feel they can easily be "remedied" once the sequel arrives. So I leave this not wishing for this or that, but embracing what was given.

And it was beautiful.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House, and Delacorte Press for providing me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.