A bit conflicted on this one - writing is really great & the concept is interesting but I feel like this was too short to fully explore. I have so many questions about the cans and Kim honestly 😅

Essentially gender roles flipped & well written, enjoyable satire. Really enjoyed this but felt a bit of an abrupt end?

Pretty much what it says on the tin - small town romance. Not badly written but I think I might need to take a break from these books as they’re starting to feel a bit samey? First from Lyla Sage though and I’d definitely read more from her.

A really interesting read filled with love, loss and treachery. What a fantastic debut novel!

I've found in reading a lot more in the last few years and reviewing books that although each is unique and inspired, this is one of the first which I can't find a parallel, or direct inspriation, with another popular book at this time. It's really difficult to find truly unique fantasy stories but this is one of them.

Although the beginning was a little slow, it was necessary to world build and set our FMC's background. I do think some of it could have been shortened, however, the overall gothic vibes and truly experiencing the FMC's life as she's raised by her mentor, Grim, make up for any slower pacing.

Once Ilys (our FMC) truly begins her experiences as an adult, is where this book really shines. Hallie really makes you feel every moment as you walk through Ilys's life with Death and everything which comes with her Veilmarch. Their personal development and the banter between Ilys and Death was so entertaining and I loved reading more about them falling in love. The ending was fitting but I did cry!!

I am so excited to see what else Hallie Pursel writes in future with this being her first published!

✨ Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review ✨

My first Alice Osman novel and I loved it. Honestly the beginning had me super conflicted as I related far too much to Georgia in my first weeks of uni (and longer honestly) which was causing a bit of anxiety 🤣 once I’d pushed through my own feelings I’m so so glad I did as this was incredible for me. I wish I’d had a book like this when I went to uni so I’d know my struggle with the social interactions wasn’t just me. It’s really lovely rep of various sexualities and although I’m not aro-ace I certainly felt I could relate to Georgia as the book progressed. Was very nice reading about Durham too, I didn’t expect that going in but hearing about one of my local cities was nice, I thought “I’ve been there!” more than once 🤣🤣 I cried at the end and I think this will live with me for a long time. I loved it 🥹