The STEM romance queen Ali Hazelwood has turned her attention to fantasy, and I am not sure how we can survive!

I was excited to read this because I have thoroughly enjoyed literally everything else Ali has written. I ended up reading this now because Stephanie and I finally both had physical copies, in our quest to read things in my/her physical piles. (Also to have an excuse to just hang out without kids.)

This did start off slow, and I was disappointed that this book didn’t grip me immediately. I came into this super pumped as an established reader and lover of Ali Hazelwood’s, and I think that might have hurt me a little bit in coming into this. Usually when I am reading a fantasy or romantasy, the world building grips me in some way very early. I wonder if I am in a bit of a reading slump, or my mental health is being ridiculous again? I did eventually get to the point where I really wanted to just sit and read, but at the worst time, because I had a bunch of puzzle business stuff to take care of instead.

I did end up enjoying this book immensely, and I hope the hook at the end means we’ll be seeing more in this world. I do not know how she’ll top the villain twist in this story though! I did not see that coming.

I am glad that I powered through the first bit that was hard for me, it was definitely worth the payoff. The STEM references (love me an urban fantasy!) and still centering a woman (human or not) in STEM is absolutely fantastic and I love to see it. I also thoroughly enjoyed the banter between Lowe and Misery (and Ana!), and the developing of their friendship and relationship.

If there’s another one, I will be reading it!