I read this book out of curiosity, but I think I probably should have just stayed curious.

I think this is the point where I realize this series probably isn't for me. The writing is still fast-paced and easy to read, and Kate remains a capable, entertaining protagonist, but I'm not feeling very invested in the central romance. As the relationship took up more space on the page, I found myself caring less about what was happening rather than more.

I think a lot of it comes down to personal taste. The shapeshifter-heavy aspects of the series just don't do much for me, and by this point I'm not particularly attached to the relationship dynamics. It's just kind of giving me the ick now. I still very much enjoy the wider cast and there's still plenty of action and the world remains interesting, but I found myself reading out of habit rather than excitement. That said, this hasn't put me off Ilona Andrews as authors, I can absolutely see why these books have such a dedicated fanbase, and I'd still be interested in trying one of their other series in the future.

Definitely think it's continuing to build on the strengths of the Kate Daniels series with plenty of action, good humour, and a deeper look at the characters. Kate remains a fun protagonist to follow because she's just so capable, stubborn, and sarcastic in equal measure and I enjoyed seeing more of her relationships, particularly with the wider cast. The supporting characters continue to add a lot of personality to the world and help make the series feel lived in.

The writing is fast-paced and easy to sink into, which gives the book a strong sense of momentum. While some plot developments felt fairly predictable, the character interactions kept me invested throughout. Overall, it was an entertaining installment that expanded the world nicely and left me interested in seeing where the series goes next.

A book that feels both deeply thoughtful and surprisingly funny. Cyrus is a wonderfully complicated protagonist, grappling with grief, addiction, identity, and the question of what gives a life meaning. Even when he's frustrating, he feels so incredibly real, and I found myself invested in his journey from the very beginning.

Akbar's writing is so easy to read! His background as a poet shines through in the prose, which is lyrical without feeling inaccessible. The novel wrestles with some heavy themes, but it does so with warmth, curiosity, and moments of genuine humour. It's an ambitious book, but at its heart it's a very human story about connection, loss, and trying to make sense of the world.