I’ve had this on my shelves an age and I am glad I’ve finally read it. That being said, I’m on two minds whether to continue the series. I liked Rin and the first half of the book was gearing up to be 4/5 stars. The second half felt like a whole different book- it also cemented the fact that historical/military fantasy is NOT my genre- I was so bored. The plot is not boring and the characters were going through hell, but I just wasn’t there. The book is getting 3 stars for the first half. Part of me wants to know how Rin’s story continues but the other part of me has read this plot point time and time again and I just don’t think I care.

I had a blast with this book. Janice Hallet is one of my favourite authors and this book did not disappoint. As I have a background in academia I understand how toxic it can be. And funnily enough I think that’s why I loved this so much. The drama starts from the start(similar to most academic courses after undergrad) and continues throughout the whole book. I’m not one to like being involved myself but watching it? Of YES I ate that up. I felt like I was sitting at an art bench with these characters with my popcorn in hand as they explode at each other. Honestly no wonder (redacted) was redacted. There was bitchiness, resentment, manipulation, competition, and favouritism- I LOVED IT.