Date Released: August 13 (US) August 15 (UK) 2024
Date Read and Reviewed: August 16, 2024
Ratings: 2⭐️

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This might be one of my disappointing reads of 2024 in terms of my most anticipated releases.

Don't get me wrong, the concept or premise really is promising and something that I really want to read. However, the execution is just not it.

The plot progress is almost nonexistent to me? It feels that it just stayed the same, and nothing really happened at all because instead of SHOWING, it stuck to TELLING us. It's quite frustrating because the whole vampire or magic system is something I find really interesting, and as a reader who likes to have an in-depth showing of the fantasy elements, it is indeed a let down. 

Other than that, the writing I'm so sorry to say that the writing is lacking as well. It was very slow to my liking. I feel so bad not liking this 😭 

On the character developments, another let down for me. I find them superficial at all, quite pretentious in many ways. Especially for Shan, considering the characters was supposed to be some kind of cunning, the character seemed to be not at all. There's nothing really endearing about her, and it's just sad because the start really was promising to me.

Sam and Isaak, as well. Honestly, I could not connect to them. There's nothing really happening in the pairing. The developments aren't there at all.

Another thing, Aberforth?? REALLY? I just couldn't take this name seriously. 

I'm not even going to talk about the ending.

Overall, I wish the execution was much better. More showing. The plot is more consistent. Writing more captivating. Characters are more dimensional and likeable.

Thank you, Orbit books, for the e-arc opportunity via Netgalley.