Very glad I put down the audiobook when it wasn’t hitting, because I knew this would be amazing if I got the timing right! Everyone’s highly rated reviews are correct. Excellent gothic spooky vibes with a unique card based magic system. We love a band of misfits trying to overthrow a corrupt government. The romance felt a little rushed maybe, but I liked the end result. I can see why it was necessary for the plot, but I think this is a fantasy novel first, with a bonus romance subplot, which is generally my favorite way to balance the two.