While I think this is a very good book, among the best I've read, because of personal tastes I couldn't love it 100%

Well written, although I've seen people around the internet had a bit of an issue with the prose. It manages to be descriptive and evokative in a selective way, it describes you where everyone is in a room or what is in it only if it's important for the scene. The way things are described is thematic to the background of the story and the main character's view of the world (since she's a gravedigger she uses graves and death as analogies). Which can be a bit confusing at times. And it gets very graphic with the horror, and the sex.

A must if you decide to read this: a strong stomach and a stable good mind-space. Or you could read it by increments so you don't let the despair and gloomy vibes drag you down too much. Avoid reading around meals, and before going to bed. It's true, this book can be very yucky, but mostly in the beginning, after the halfway point it's a lot more manageable. A small trigger warning about the intimacy scenes: there's no rape, but at times the lines of consent get just a bit blurred, and at one point Elara even feels pressured (but nothing bad in that sense comes of it) There's manipulation and lies too. Personally I have no tollerance for these things, so I can reassured you that it's not so bad, in fact the romance can even feel quietly sweet at times. The chemistry between the MFC and MMC is very good but it's not a smooth ride... Pun intended 😨

The plot is soooo entertaining! How can a book with so much bad stuff happening be so fun to read? There are so many plot twists, your sense of direction on what could happen next gets completely disoriented, you think you know, and then you don't. Eventually you will have absolutely no clue on what waits behind the corner. The ending is by one third expected but you don't know the shape it will take (although I saw many didn't expect it at all), and by the rest it will leave you speechless and needing to reading book 2 immediately. The author is talented.

The pacing is steady but it gets more and more interesting by the second half, until you can't stop to read until you finished the book.

I recommend this book to specific people: if you like dark and gloomy vibes, if you don't mind a MMC with dubious morality, if you have a strong stomach and can witstand desperation. If you like mysteries and to explore the cost of saving thousands if lives with a single one and those who have to deal with such a task.

Well written, well executed, a smooth ride from beginning to end. I enjoyed this book thoroughly. I was immersed, the characters felt real and complex, the themes were compelling. I think the underling murder mystery was well done, but I figured out who was the culprit early on. I think It could have been a bit more intriguing and exciting, but I still feel satisfied with the overall plot. I have faith the next book will be even better, given all the elements that were set up. The romance was lovely, I love them together, they will sweep you off your feet. They are passionate and they keep growing more passionate. The pacing was steady through all the book, not slow, but not fast either. It becomes increasingly interesting as you keep reading. A fun read, that you can enjoy one bite at a time. I recommend this book if you enjoy regency romance, murder mysteries, magic bonds, and themes of sisterhood, loyalty and revolution. The spice was not always there, it takes a while to reach it, since it's a slow-burn. Once it gets there, it's not constantly at the fore-thought of the characters' minds, but moderately so. (It could become more frequent in the next book) The scenes are open door, explicit, and well written, but there are not many. (Which makes sense since it's the first book, and it felt realistic with the plot). Overall it was a well balanced read, and I can only see myself enjoying the next book just as much, if not more. It's that kind of read that you realize how much you appreciated once you've finished it and sat on it for a while. :)