The plot of this is beautiful and the premise of magical books is fantastic. The complex family dynamics felt real- the sisters navigating the strain of what their parents imparted with them creates a tense atmosphere where you question what the sisters know as well as how their emotions will impact their choices.

Pearl & Esther’s relationship is refreshing and opening with queer characters is fantastic and heart warming.

I could have done without Collins & Joanna’s relationship at the end of the book. It felt rushed to me and I would have loved more build up between the two. Similarly, I wish that there had been deeper nuance and consequence to Esther’s decision to leave Antarctica

I think overall there should have been more consequences for the characters as they go through the book.

I feel as though none of them had any real repercussions to the decisions they made. The author did a could job creating a consistent tense/mysterious atmosphere that left me invested even though nothing negative ultimately happens to any of the characters.

Towards the end of the novel I feel like the individual perspectives homogenized and the unique character voice was lost. 

I really enjoyed all the characters in the book, but I feel like all of them had limited character growth- except perhaps Nicholas. There were some cool plot twists in the book as well.