"One raven for uncertain peril. Six for danger sure to arrive. A dozen for death, if not avoided. The enchantment is sealed."

Margaret Rogerson never disappoints. Her writing style is wonderful, as always. It's simple enough to not require much concentration or energy, but also transportive and beautifully atmospheric, perfect for readers like me who enjoy escapism. However, my favorite aspect of this book was definitely the juxtaposition between the humans and the fae. On one hand, the fae are practically immortal and the lives are humans are less than a blink to them. On the other hand, the fae leave nothing behind once they are dead (as one of the characters points out), while humans have their Craft. Mortals, as the fae call them, are viewed as beneath them and strange, fragile little creatures with their emotions, meanwhile everything the fae have that matters to them is vain, frivolous and completely fake. This fundamental difference of fae being immortal and extremely powerful but essential empty and meaningless, while the humans are small and weak but feel so much in their however short lives and have so much to live for, is a reoccurring theme throughout the book and essentially carries the plot as well. Also, keeping in mind this was my first fae book, I think it portrayed the whole inability to lie and politeness aspects very interestingly, and in keeping with the juxtaposition. They're so surface-level polite and courteous, but when you go even a little deeper fae often have more insidious motivations and feelings. It has an added layer of intrigue to me because there are some humans, in real life, who I know are like this, so seeing it shown as an inhuman characteristic is definitely thought-provoking. In general the book has encouraged me to go read some other fae stories. 

Much like Sorcery of Thorns, I thought the magic system was very unique. That's clearly something Margaret Rogerson is good at, and I highly value. I think especially readers who are artists will appreciate the character of Isobel even more. Also, it adds to the previously mentioned juxtaposition; fae magic is all about strength and appearances, particularly glamour, while human "magic" Craft is about embracing something that is part of who you are and what you are made to do. We see this up close in how Isobel (the main character) marvels at Rook's capabilities, while he, and other fae, seem utterly entranced and confounded by human craft, despite their nature that encourages them to show no doubt lest it be seen as a sign of weakness.

I mentioned Sorcery of Thorns in that last paragraph, and I admit I did enjoy that book a bit more. I found the main character slightly more endearing and, frankly, more human (Isobel's flaw is that sometimes she's almost too perfect), as well as the whole book-related magic system really fascinating. Also, I think you can tell that Rogerson's writing has matured, because emotions are conveyed even more directly in Sorcery of Thorns than in this book, and it's even more immersive, and generally more polished, I'd say. I did still really enjoy this book and can't wait to read Vespertine, and whatever she has coming next. Happy reading!