While fantasy, especially in the YA genre, isn't typically my go-to, I found myself pleasantly surprised by this novel. I came across this book after spotting a recommendation in a Threads comment, and then discovered that it's available on KU.

It's well-written, offering a world that's immersive without being crazy complicated, and the characters are endearing. What particularly resonated with me were the themes of family bonds and the lengths one would go to in order to protect their loved ones.

Elle, our female protagonist, is strong, reliable, and kind. I like how she remains sane and practical and takes the initiative in solving every crisis they face. Eth, the Grim Reaper, has good character development and we gradually come to love him as the story progresses.

My least favorite character is Arit. He's supposed to be a skilled hunter yet most of the time he's just babysitting the injured Gingel and awaiting orders from Elle.

The incorporation of the red thread of fate, seemingly drawn from Chinese mythology, adds an intriguing layer to the story. It's a subtle yet effective touch that enhances the narrative's depth.

The ending of the book was just right and that cliffhanger at the end has me excited to find out what happens next!