This is some high level (for me at least) fantasy fiction. Romantasy, but the fantasy was heavy and will require a bit of extra brain work to move around the Anathema universe. There are three parts in the book which is understandable with its length and intricacies. On part one, this much chapters are required to build the world and there are bits more for other parts but completing this will engage you with how the setting works. It got a little dragging by how long this one got with only full of world building BUT this is Keri Lake, writing is so easy to get into even if it felt a little long (for those seeking the romance, there's only one time they meet in part 1). Part 2 goes more of Maevyth learning about Aethyria and her magic. This is like a history lesson (and review) for the readers about this world. I must say it's so complex. Like for my level of fantasy reader, it is high-level plot fantasy. I literally have the glossary bookmarked and flipped onto for so many times lol. This ends with a cliffhanger and there's a new book coming this 2025! Now excuse me while I breathe after this insane book, Ms Keri the author that u are

oh sh00t me this is by far (im reading by order) the best story in the windy city series, and if play along and rewind it back is better then please add me one more star above. Caught Up is such a great story about family sacrifices. It has the typical touch and trajectory of Liz's Windy City stories but something about the characters makes it different. I love how present (ironically from Kai's perspective) Kai is with his child and how selfless Miller became with Max. In a way, both have similar issues which makes them a perfect fit. I wish there was something more to be done with that dude that talked shit to Miller about his dad's retirement but i think that's one point about them— they never make fuss with others when they know that the real issue can only be solved within themselves. Love the Windy City characters' cameos too, and how the epilogue overlaps with Isaiah's story! Excited for that one especially 🥹

Before anything (a genuine question), is there supposed to be a story before this? I'm asking because I was so lost for the whole book. I mean I can get into any kind of universe where there are magic and witches but for a reason, I can't understand the system in this. I fear I have missed a story before this (though this is a standalone and first book in the interconnected series) before I blame it on the world building. Review points: - I think if this is a shorter book I might put another half star in there, but needless to say if it did then I will really not understand a single thing in the story.. the world building is quite weak and the introduction of the coven is nice on the beginning but it never really laid a foundation of what they really do for the town. There's just a bunch of names and their families which you can refer to the beginning of the book but not really do much to make sense while reading. - I believe there's a YA version of this and I wish I read that because I can't seem to find a middle ground with characters acting and talking like teens then getting on with it on the next chapter 😩 - This one's personal: the three words thing got to me. "Trapped, trapped, trapped" "sink, sink, sink" "Julian, Julian, Julian" I mean, it's alright but sometimes it's unnecessary 🥹 - 37% : girlie this is a forbidden romance why the hell are u mad when you aren't acknowledged??? the man is as good as banished in the town and u want a hello and goodbye??????? 😭 It was really good by the synopsis, the tension at the start was also good but it all broke down early on so you get more of the forbidden romance stuff at 40% onwards.

This book just clashed with all the values I am upholding in life. But it's dark romance and if you are not one to read a story with a long list of TWs, then this may not be for you. Although I am not one to tolerate any of the TWs and the dark side of this story, Keri Lake is such a literary gem. I love her writing so much. I started with Nocticadia and I knew she has a knack for this genre. I'm trying to read her works for her writing mostly and I am in awe how addictive reading can be with her books. The story is so complex that you'll think Ms. Keri Lake is actually running these organizations (pls i hope not) and the characters are so meticulously traumatized???? This is one the books where I was questioning everyone's innocence since they're all shady 😭 Anyways, read Keri Lake's works!!!!