4.5⭐️ I went into this expecting a fun, unserious fantasy. This book definitely delivered, but I was surprised to find by its tenderness and exploration of grief. This book had me laughing out loud in the first chapter and shedding actual tears in the final chapter. It’s always such a joy to pick up a novel that’s equal parts fun and big-hearted .

Sikras and Helspira were more than a stereotypical “grumpy x sunshine” couple. Sikras was dark humored and charming despite (or because of??) his murderous displays of affection, and Helspira’s compassion and humanity grounded her character rather than making her a bubbly caricature. And BENJAMIN!!! I was emotionally invested in this re-animated skeleton of a man from the start, and he was the shining star of the book imo.

Anyone who wants a fun, quick read that feels like being part of a DND campaign with campy humor and and earnest look at love and loss— pick this one up!

This was textbook romantasy for lovers of the genre. Swoony love interest, sizzling sexual tension, high stakes, and all the little genre tropes readers love to see. I enjoyed the diverse characters and the tarot based magic system a lot!! And the duet narrated audiobook was SO good.

I feel like this book fell into cliches a bit and the first 30% was kind of slow. But once things picked up I couldn’t put the book down, and I really enjoyed Rune and Draven’s relationship!! Their alliance to each other was surprisingly earnest even when they were still in their bickering stage, and by the end they had a kind of ride-or-die mentality that stands out in a genre so overrun with secrets, miscommunication, and betrayals that come from a mile away between love interests.

I will definitely be picking up the next book in this duology!