It’s official: If S.M. Gaither writes it, I LOVE IT. This book was fast paced yet still very detailed with a lot of world building. I really liked Alaya and her unique powers. She is somehow a vulnerable yet badass FMC without leaning too much either way or being too “extreme” - for lack of a better word. The prince is giving some strong Dorian Havilliard vibes, which I am all for, and I am interested to see how he develops as we continue. Kian is simply the best, and I love that he accepts Alaya in all her stages. I really want to like Sade, but that stills remains to be seen. Oh, and Isoni is 1000% the Ianthe of this world. I’m calling it now. 
It’s very interesting coming into this series as someone who has read Flame & Sparrow but not Shadows & Crowns because I know this takes place closer to S&C. The gap in time between F&S and this book means there have been changes to the Marrlands and people that are jarring for me (like the clans). I would love to get my hands on a timeline or to see if the rest of the series dives into those changes. Also, after that ending I simply need book 2 because *sob*😭