I’m literally just stalling at this point. I’m still on page 181 — where the narrative finally, finally turns back to Bree — and I just can’t get into it. And I know why: I’m genuinely afraid of powering through this part only to have to slow down again once another POV takes over, because I am not 👏🏾 interested 👏🏾😭.

I know Bree’s POV is gonna be good, but the second I remember there’s another Mariah interlude or Sel stationary-chapter lurking around the corner, my excitement just deflates.

Mariah’s POV just isn’t working for me. It’s not that she’s a bad character — she’s competent, she’s relatable in that soft ache of wanting to be the plan instead of just a plan — but she’s giving side character energy while holding the main mic, and that’s always jarring.

Bree walks into a scene and the air shifts. William and Natasia bring weight and intrigue. Mariah, on the other hand, makes the story lose momentum the moment she steps in. Instead of being pulled into the story, I become aware that I’m reading. And that whole “must be nice to be the chosen one” vibe she carries — it’s not malicious, but it puts distance between her and me as a reader. It almost feels like she’s narrating from outside the circle I care about most.

When I’m here for Bree’s power arc, Nick’s righteous rage, and all the tangled history unraveling around them, Mariah’s quieter “wish I mattered more” perspective feels like slamming the brakes on everything I care about.

I think part of why she’s harder to connect with is that she hasn’t earned the page time yet. Everyone else has sweat, scars, or secrets that make me lean forward. Mariah? She’s just there — narrating important moments without contributing much to them.

NOT NICK CALLING OUT THE GAY OMGOSH🤣🤣🤣

"Woe betide the human or demon who tries. Briana belongs to no one but herself. I know that better than anyone. Now grant my quest."

Nick come home the kids miss you🫶🏾

MMMMMMMMMMMMM 🤏🏾🤏🏾🤏🏾🙂‍↕️ tell em Nick

"Like you honored Bree Matthew's true lineage?" Greer asks with a scoff.

AHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA I'm rocking with Greer cuz Greer's ROCKING with us!! I love them so much, sayin the quiet shi outloud 🤏🏾🤏🏾🤏🏾🙂‍↕️