4.25
Cover 5; characters 4; Plot 3; Pace 3; Intrigue 4; Logic 4; worldbuilding 5; Writing 4; Enjoyment 4; Cry*

I don't really know where to start with this one. Was this a bad book? Not in the least, it was actually a great read! However, I didn't love it as much as the first book.

Part of that I think was because of the introduction of new characters. There were a lot of them and I found it hard to keep track of who was who. I still loved our returning characters and loved their character growth throughout the novel, but the addition of so many new characters was a bit confusing for me.

Because I was a bit lost, I felt like the pacing of this one was a bit wonky as well. It wasn't anything major but it was enough to pull away from my enjoyment a bit. Honestly, if this were any other book, you wouldn't hear me complain at all about these things, this is some serious nitpicking on my part. Mostly due to how much I LOVED the first book - it got a perfect 5.25/5 stars.

So let's talk about the good things. This series is big on heart. Seven's love for her coven and her family continue to shine throughout the novel. We get to see her love for animals that she can speak to manifest throughout the storyline here. Least of which is her connection with the racoons and those little bandits are one of the best parts of this story. They were perfect comedic relief and just a joy to read.

The magic of this world is so interesting to learn. And I love societal issues in a magical community. There are so many things in this book that were just as much fun as the first book and I cannot recommend them higher. Ortega's books are so, SO good.