'Hope could be just as painful as grief, I'd found.'

I eyed this book for ages before finally getting it. It sounded right up my alley, and it absolutely hit all the beats that make for a great story.

Nice world building, not overly wordy and technical, gives information as is relevant to the plot, character's natures, or immediate lore for the scene.

I REALLY enjoyed the style of writing. It's multiple perspectives, mostly first person BUT also third and some second, and it works well for the structure of the book.

The sign language, the pronouns usage within a fantasy setting, the connection of gender and reflections of between Everen and Arcady are seemingly small but impactful moments that made my heart sore. It's part of the civilization Arcady lives in. It gives rise for Everen voicing his own thoughts about being the last male among his people. I eat up this introspection and conversations about such.

I'm also so fascinated how the story closed out, and I while I thought I wasn't going to like the few side characters that are there, I really enjoyed how the end of the book dealt with them. I am very curious to see what the second part of this story brings to the table.

Mild spoilers: I really enjoyed the way the romance plays out. 

While there is a clear physical attraction near the start, the emotional attractions takes a while to form, and even then it's not simply 'I love you now above all else' it's more like, how to navigate that growing love while also dealing with the burdens of duty, whether decided for oneself (Everen) or taken upon themselves willingly (Arcady).

I feel like I could talk on and on about this book, and indeed I would love more people who are into dragons, and gender inclusive fantasy, and nice steady conflict to give this a look. Especially good if you want a story where the romance is super important to the main relationship, but it is not the only thing fueling the plot.