A gorgeously rich, YA romantasy that had me absolutely swooning at its epic, high stakes plot and unusual love triangle (between a monster girl, a possessed boy and the evil spirit that inhabits him) which had me thoroughly obsessed! 

I previously read Jen Williams’ epic fantasy, Talonsister, and fell utterly in love with her ability to craft vividly immersive worlds and emotionally compelling characters (which heavily contributed to my excitement for The Sleepless.) And I have to say, I loved it even more than I had expected! 

With a smaller and more intimate cast of POV characters (Elver, Artair and Lucian), Williams is able to explore each MC (their emotional inner thoughts, motivations and backstories) in even more depth. Which I felt added a unique and multilayered perspective that had me emotionally invested in all three of them. 

Though Elver, our resident monster girl, was probably my favourite. After being saved by the Queen of Serpents as a child, (who gifted her with a poisonous touch) she spends her days in isolation, protecting fellow monsters within the Jih Forest. 

Her emotionally guarded demeanour has saved her from the pain and disappointment of humanity. But, after meeting Artair (the only person immune to her touch) and Lucian (the parasitic spirit who inhabits him), she begins to let down her walls and finally open up to the possibility of connection and companionship. Something that leads to a lot of internal conflict and emotional tension that had me utterly hooked. 

I really loved Williams’ nuanced approach to Artair and Lucian’s portrayals too, which sees them both struggle with powerlessness—in losing their bodily autonomy (Artair) and their memories (Lucian.) Though of the two, I definitely gravitated a little more towards morally grey, Lucian, who I found soo fascinating.

But I adored the complicated, love triangle-esque romance that slowly builds between our protagonists most of all. It was phenomenally swoon-worthy (though it is YA so don’t expect things to get too steamy) and led to some wonderfully (emotionally) intense scenes. 

Overall, an emotionally satisfying and deliciously intense Romantasy with banter, a strong FMC and an adorable Keltraxia cub (who just wants to bite humans and eat stuff.) I recommend preordering immediately. 

Also, a huge thank you to First Ink/ Bookbreak UK for the stunning (purple) proof