I still loved the characters and the world, but this definitely suffered from middle book syndrome. I had a really hard time staying invested in Aefe’s pov up until the last hundred pages or so. Which is a big problem because the book is over six hundred pages long. I think that perhaps if the twist had been revealed a little earlier it would’ve helped. (Because it was a pretty excellent twist imo.)
It’s tough. I felt like the book drug on until really the final act, then I really loved the last bit… and then the end was so infuriating and sad that it left me feeling unsatisfied. Middle. Book. Syndrome. I’m just thankful the next book is already out.
I really did like how we expanded the world to include the Fey though, and overall I did enjoy those new characters too. Aefe included.
I’m excited to find out how it all ends.