Queer fantasy featuring witches, a magical island, evil fae, and family/community feels? Count me in!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing access to a digital copy.

I gotta clarify, I didn’t read the first book in the series. That wasn't a problem in the end because we're provided with enough context to understand the story and the characters. But I think it's important to mention.

Loved the social commentary! The author handles heavy topics like racism and discrimination while thoroughly developing the magic system and creating a complex, layered world. That's no easy feat!

The romance was cute, and the relationship between the main pair has a very healthy, mature pattern of "we work through our issues" that I appreciated. Though I gotta say, the chemistry wasn't always sparking for me. But hey, perception is a tricky, very personal little monster. So, who knows?

Also, I think it's important to mention this is a slow-paced story. Pas de problème on my side, but I know this is relevant to some readers.

Overall an interesting reading experience with social and psychological insight, angst, "one for all and all for one", healthy romance and LGBTQ+ rep.