Okay… let’s start with what I liked. Lord has given us a really intriguing magic system and a magical university that feels oddly nostalgic and fresh at the same time. The way this book plays with gender and identity through body swapping is, without a doubt, completely singular. There is a great foundation for found family with a ragtag group of unexpected friends.

Now for the tough part of this conversation. Almost nothing in this story is fully explained. I would say you get between 40-80% and I don’t think you can blame that on this being a series or building tension. Similarly, there is SO MUCH HAPPENING that it feels like whiplash when we move through the scenes. Did I like the idea and progression? Yes, but it felt so busy, like I couldn’t concentrate on what was important. I do feel that Lord needs to do better at indicating how time is passing because I had no idea a year had passed in these 400 pages.

Last thing before I get off the mic.. Lord has GREAT characters here, but we never really get to know them. It doesn’t feel like you know them or want to root for them.