◦ I've received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ◦

The book begins with Naia who is being drawn to the forest next to their manor. Why or how she ended up going there is a mystery even for herself. There she finds River, a mysterious “ancient” fae, and saves his life and in return, she asks for a kiss.

The book has a very big note of mystery especially when it involves River. The beginning was cryptic and drew me in immediately and I love when that happens because I end up reading the books so quickly.

The book overall is an amazing story, the magic system is something I’ve never read before. Each character inherits their parent's magic powers (either dad or mom, or both sometimes) like wielding iron, controlling the animals, or even having the green thumb and being good with plants and using them for good or bad. I really enjoyed the magic system it was really great and I wish it will be a little bit more explored because it would be so amazing knowing more about their powers. Also, their descriptions based on their magical powers were really clever and really easy to remember like Ironbringer.

The book is being told from different pov’s giving you the chance to see each person’s feelings, actions and their reactions, even tho we get multiple pov’s keeping track with them was very easy and I didn’t get confused on who’s turn is now.

The plot twists are lots of them, and when you think you’ve figured what’s going to happen next something changes and you’re back at it again. There were also some more spicy moments that felt just perfect, nothing too smutty but just the right amount of spice.

However, as much as I’ve enjoyed the book I also felt something was missing. I usually enjoy connecting with the characters and feel like I live through them, sadly this time didn’t happen. I couldn’t connect with any of the involved characters, I felt their emotions and the way they reacted through some situations lacking – I was expecting some scenes to be breathtaking and really impactful but sadly they felt a little bit flat for me.

The book also has some TW such as physical and mental abuse and very much brainwashing – the scenes are descriptive enough to make you feel uncomfortable.

The ending of the book was very intriguing and leaves space for so much more to be explored in the next book and I am for sure going to follow with the series and hopefully, I’ll be able to connect with them, if not the plot and the spicy do make-up for what felt like missing in my opinion.

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