↠ 3.75 stars ⭐️

I really wanted to love this book, but it fell short for me. I didn't not enjoy it because I did overall, there's just something I can't put my finger on that holds this story back from being anything more than an average read for me.

I did enjoy the overall premise and magic system of the story. I loved this interesting take on elemental magic, determined by the seasons of the year. And I also enjoyed the emphasis on climate change and how it needs to be addressed. You can tell that the author did a lot of research into weather systems while writing this and I really enjoyed her descriptions of the weather events and seasons.

However, I really struggled with the characters. Not that they are bad characters, per se. I really loved Sang. I liked Mr. Hart. I liked Clara. But for a character-driven story, I seriously struggled to get attached to any of them. I didn't even find myself swooning over the blossoming romance like I usually do so easily. However, I will admit I did get emotional at one point when Clara finally accepted herself and her power. Regardless, there was something missing from the characters in the story that prevented me from developing some kind of attachment to any of them.

The more I think about it, maybe this was just too YA for me. And I say that as someone who usually enjoys YA.

All things considered, this was a good story and a good debut novel. It was a fast, atmospheric read, perfect for a cozy, autumn day.

Perhaps I'll feel differently about it if I reread it on a day like that.

A couple of quotes I particularly enjoyed:
"... But I as sure as sunlight know what it means to adore someone for no other reason than that they exist, for no other reason than that the universe created such a perfect person from the dust of the stars.

"You look at him as if he's magic."