This book made me feel so deeply - i felt hope, loss, grief, loneliness and most of all, love

I found myself re reading Iris and Roman’s letters over and over in the hopes of finding a way to memorize their words and keep them close to my heart

This, to me, is a fantasy story about gods and the havoc they wreak upon mortals
We see the impact on two mortals, specifically, who feel emotion so deeply at a time when their internal worlds are falling apart as much as their external worlds are quite literally crumbling

It’s a love story with the backdrop of war that you might think would feel overdone but that was actually so unique in its writing.
The war ends up being front and centre and as someone who prefers the romance being the highlight, I didn’t even mind this aspect. I don’t think you can mind when the writing is as moving as it was in this book.

I personally would have liked a bit more of a build up “in real life” between these two characters. Especially since I ended up liking them as individuals more than as a couple. Particularly, being in Iris’ mind and feeling her fears was like being at home.

Don’t get me wrong, our main characters are perfect together but for once I found myself caring about more than just the relationship. I ask myself as I write this, was that the point?

This is my long winded way of saying, i am wrecked and impatiently waiting book 2.
I understand the hype behind this novel and can confirm, it’s merited.

If you like:
✉️ myths of gods
✉️ slow burn
✉️ discussions in the form of letters
✉️ rivals to lovers
✉️ realistic war stories and setting
✉️ found family

Then this ones for you
But even if you don’t like all of these elements/tropes, I’d still highly recommend