I fell in love with this book from the very beginning and totally wish I could be dropped into this world (as a witch, not a shader obvs). Part of me is disappointed this isn’t a series, but I’m also relieved as well - I don’t think future books would hold a flame to this one. Even though it’s a YA book and I’m in my late 30s, there were still so many quotes and bits that I could relate to/my soul needed to hear. I’m so glad I found this in my TBR while trying to finish more of my A-Z challenge. So, sorry The September House, I have a new fav book for this year.

ETA: JUST WHEN I THOUGHT I COULDN’T LOVE THIS BOOK MORE, I DISCOVERED THERE’S A REFERENCE TO THE MOVIE SPEED, ONE OF MY FAVORITE (AND TOTALLY UNDERRATED) MOVIES EVER, IN THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 😍😍😍

I'm not sure what I expected picking up this book, but it certainly wasn't what I got-which isn't a bad thing. The magic system in here is new and exciting-very seasonal earth witch, but the waning and waxing of powers with the seasons was really cool. I could have done without so many balls and the fact that our MC says she's been taking lovers since 14 put me off a little-but hey, to each their own. Still, I thought the character progression was interesting-the friendships and exploration of grief were good. The "trials" and "tests" Clara underwent felt very unrealistic, but what do I know about magic schools? Still, if adults were treating a minor like that, traumatizing them and nearly killing them-I think there'd be more consequences, especially for how special she is to their world. 

I didn't fall in love with it the way I hoped, but it was a quick read and an interesting one. Plus, the physical book is STUNNING and it's made the cut to stay on my shelves.