This was a disappointing read to be frank. The writing style was extremely juvenile, despite the characters being in their late-20s and early to mid-30s (Lettle is 28 & Yeeran is her older sister). Lettle in particular read like a teenager to me for most of the book. The timeline was confusing and choppy, and I know this whole course of events takes place over only a few months, it still feels rushed. I also don’t feel like there was enough lore or world building prior to them arriving at the Fae city to even really fully grasp their magic system. The three goddesses, the obeah, the magic being channeled through animal parts into their objects to wield magic (drum skin, arrow fletchings) ??? The more I found out the more I realized I was confused. Lettle is constantly spouting off random nonsense about her prophecy, which in truth also feels like the author is shoving it in the readers face as if we couldn’t pick up on subtext and clues. It’s just messy. 

The attraction & chemistry between Ryan and Lettle felt awkward and forced. I didn’t care for it. Again, Yeeran is weirdly fixated on her lover and returning to her. But then suddenly has a new attraction 75% into the book, completely out of character with the loyalty she’s established to this point, which is one of the few character traits with any remote depth we get to see. The sister relationship between Yeeran and Lettle was honestly a bit annoying & I just didn’t feel connected to either. We didn’t see them learn to communicate or trust each other. And for two women who constantly bring up how they relate to the poor and starving masses of their country, they don’t seem to have any significant character development. I know this is just the first book, but they feel so flat and there’s no desire for me to continue this story.

Overall, very predictable story. Every time I thought the story would do something unique, I was let down by stilted emotional connections and repetitive conversations. Too many unlikable characters and a nonsensical magic system. The saving grace to this story was Rayan, the soldier who gave up everything to follow Lettle and Yeeran on this journey. He was so adorable and tbh deserved better friends than them lmao.