god i have so many thoughts about this thing. finished chapter 3 before dropping.. usually i give novels more of a chance but this was so trying

i dislike the worldbuilding of this novel. the story takes place on a map that somehow seems lazily thrown together yet is referenced all the time as if it's a majestic and vast stretch of well-designed countries and continents and not just. a large block in the middle of the sea divided into thirds with some ice biome scenario to the north. 

the magic of this universe is heavily influenced by greek mythology and greek myth is heavily referenced here but somehow it forgoes being interesting in favor of incorporating fun greek myth references into the protagonist's internal dialogue

also cat keeps saying the term "hoi polloi" spelled just like that and i have no idea what it means but it actually cracks me up every time. is this my fault literally what is she talking about

the protagonist is actually so insufferable i can't stand it. cat is both self deprecating and idiotically headstrong, as if trying to convince the reader that she's actually smart but doesn't know it. it's giving embarrassing. it's giving fumbling in front of the male lead when this could be your opportunity to show your reader your interesting and admirable character but nooo this is a dark romance about kidnapping or whatever

this love interest? (who is he actually im not even sure hes been given a name and its chapter 3 despite him appearing in every chapter?) anyway i fucking hate him. smug misogynistic shithead and we're supposed to do a romance novel with this guy like do you want me to kms be honest