4.5 stars - I was so excited to receive a copy of this book via Netgalley. I mean, look at that cover! It's gorgeous. I'll admit I was apprehensive going into this book, but my caution ended up being unnecessary.

Lan is a likeable, unlikable character. She's had an incredibly hard life and her attitude shows it. She's a bit crass and slightly rude, but also courageous and kind. I've read characters in the past who were supposed to be unlikeable or at least "not perfect" but it's done in a way that is over the top and obnoxious. They practically scream, "look at me, I'm quirky and an asshole!" Lan's character was done very well. She's fleshed out in a way that makes her wholly human. She's got good parts and bad parts, but the bad parts are what makes her more relatable.

Then we have Zen. He is much like Lan in that he is both good and bad. He's so straight-laced at first, but his trauma slowly resurfaces in a way that causes things to be a little less black and white for him. He's your standard tall, dark, and handsome love interest, but it's not shoved in your face. We don't get descriptions of him every other paragraph, and Lan is able to function as a person without him. She doesn't become a damsel in distress once the handsome man comes around and I love that. I'm ready to see what happens with them in book two. Their slow burn romance was a breath of fresh air over the insta-love I've been reading lately. I smiled like a goon when there was only one bed at the inn. *May that trope never die.*

(The disciples of the school have earned a place in my heart as well!)

This book isn't even out yet but I'm ready for more! D: