okay so i’m kinda torn about this one. on one hand, the concept is honestly super unique. definitely not something i’d ever think up myself. and the writing? wow. nadiah’s descriptions are so on point. whether it’s the setting or the emotions, it always feels vivid and real. cempaka especially was written sooo well, i could literally feel her fear and anxiety through the pages. i think she’s one of the strongest characters in the whole book.

but here’s where it lost me.

the story just throws you right into the action without any build-up. i had zero time to actually connect with the characters, so when things happened, i didn’t really care. and even between the characters themselves, the relationships felt kinda shallow. like, they’re supposed to have this bond, but it didn’t really come across for me.

the pov jumping also drove me a little nuts. one second i’m in wisteria’s head, then melur’s, then iris’s. it switched so fast it almost felt like i was in everyone’s brain at once, which just got confusing.

plus, some parts of the plot felt way too convenient, like stuff happened just to move the story forward. it made certain moments feel less believable, and it kinda pulled me out of the book.

that said, i really did appreciate the ending. it wasn’t wrapped up all nice and perfect. it felt realistic, and i liked that choice a lot. overall, it’s not really the book for me, but i don’t regret reading it. i’d still be down to check out more of the author’s work in the future.

this book started off pretty repetitive, and i wasn’t sure if it was going to get anywhere. the middle pulled me back in with some really exciting moments, but then the ending felt kind of messy and all over the place, like it couldn’t quite decide what direction to go.

what really saved it for me were the characters. their friendship dynamics were so fun and genuine that i stayed invested even when the plot wasn’t working for me.

overall, it wasn’t a life-changing read, but i also don’t regret picking it up. the characters alone made it worth the time.