i have no idea if it's because i have read countless fantasies that every single plot that was revealed in the last quarter of the book was predictable, but it wasn't the least bit surprising because i knew it from the very beginning.

i also figured that because this is YA that the crumbs left for the mystery pieces were big and that's why the twists were heavily predictable.

anyway, it was an okay read. i personally feel like the writing and pacing need improvement (especially the pacing), but it was intriguing.

i didn't grow attachment to any of the characters here. i'm indifferent towards all of them, except perhaps mot in the last chapters. but i was unfeeling towards kiva, jaren, even tipp, and naari. i just don't feel anything for them and i think it's because this book is mostly tell and not show.

i'm hoping that the writing gets better in the following books. currently, my inclination to finish the series fast is zero because i'm only curious about how the messy plot will play out, and not because i particularly care about what will happen to either kiva or jaren.

here's to hoping the second book will be so much better.

one of the best duologies i've ever read and i'm NEVER reopening this book again. i'm not masochistic.

their ages didn't make a single sense, but i love them all. this book HURTS. that's all i'm saying.