Where should I start with this one? The hard edition of this book is literally pitch black. So, I'd suggest to read all the trigger warnings first before you dive with this book, so you know what you're getting into.

This book is like an introduction to the setting and theme of the Book of Shadows series. I appreciated how there were parts for the important characters and introduced me into different worlds of the three gangs. There were no unnecessary scenes and it all contributed on the overall plot between the main characters which reflected to the title of this book. I was a little disappointed with the treaty between the gangs, I expected something remarkable. The same thing on Sau's power, it would be great if it's explored more on how she was able to get a full grasp of it.

The scenes were executed enough to feel what I should feel as a reader in every scene of each character. It felt as if I was also phasing on each scene like Aleric does and I really enjoyed their world.

It truly broke my heart how Sau had to endure all of the suffering she experienced at the young age until she turned into an adult—without even witnessing her adolescence years to early and middle adulthood—and still suffered until the end of the book. 'Sau' means 'defender', but she couldn't even do it to herself because people around her were pure evil. The only good thing in Sau's life—aside from her children, except Leo though—was her husband. He truly loved and cared for her, not until Aleric happened. Caden's character as a loving husband was something I enjoyed reading in this story and I'd like to forget the existence of his mask version. (Forget. Forget.) While, the other two characters contributed a lot on the overall plot. They’re literally the major cause of the conflicts. If not for them, there would be no madness behind the mask. (cough, cough)

Took me more days to finish the book, but not because of its content. I was just really busy, but it could have been a quick read. I’d recommend this to those who prefers to read pitch black stories and have no triggers.