11/21/2021 ★★★★☆

10/29/2024 ★★★★☆

Okay. Right off the bat I can say that this installment of the series follows exactly what I said in the first. Not a whole bunch happens plot wise (excluding Malina, of course) but I am still SO devoted to this story and its characters. 

I am usually so drawn to a fast paced, action packed plot, and this… really isn't that. I feel like, so far, this story has been largely character driven and I am all the way here for it. I was so very very happy to see Auren come into herself and her origins. 

There is also something huge to be said here about the side characters. They added so much to this story and I really looked forward to seeing more of each of them. And Rip. Ohhh Rip. I know he's supposed to be our morally gray love interest here, but isn't he just coming off as a swoony hero right now? 

Secondary shout out to Malina, who is, in her own way, also a badass woman that I am secretly cheering for on the sidelines, no matter how much she might hate Auren.