This is written way too realistically, specifically in the dialogue department. It was cringeworthy, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized the dialogue was very realistic in how people in 2025 talk. It reminds me of how two young adults who are chronically online talk. So, the dialogue is not bad writing, it's just not my cup of tea. Everything else, for the most part, I liked. Due to the dialogue, I wasn't the biggest fan of the characters, but the plot itself was magnificent. I was in a long-distance relationship, and my grandmother has dementia, so this story really hit close to home. I think the accuracy of both those things made me love this story. It was emotional and romantic. (sometimes a little too romantic if that makes sense) I don't think I would read any of Jimenez's older works, but if the plot of her next one sounds good, I might pick it up.

I want to preface this review by saying this is officially my new favorite book. It is not a perfect book by any means, but I can say with all honesty that this is the most fun I ever had reading a book. It made me think, it made me laugh, it made me scream, it made me angry, it made me happy. I’ve felt a roller coaster of human emotions reading this book. Holland is the most naïve and gullible character in the world. I don’t hate her or blame her for it, but GOLLY does she believe anything and everything any character tells her. She’s loyal and she trusts her family which is probably why she ends up being so gullible because everyone in this book somehow knows a member of her family. I knew exactly how this was going to end. (For the most part) I knew not because it was predictable but because there are clues laid out for you, and you follow the clues and you get there and it’s magnificent especially when you read the book and understand why Garber laid it out this way. There’s nothing more fun than a treasure hunt. The way this story ends feels very final in a way. I already know that once this book comes out no one is going to agree with me, but that’s my genuine opinion about it. I know there are a ton of questions that aren’t answered and characters that weren’t properly introduced, but that doesn’t change the way I feel about the ending. Honestly, I have no idea where this is going to go, but that doesn’t mean I’m not excited or happy that this is going to be a series. This review is so chaotic and all over the place because I have so many feelings and thoughts about this book that it just feels IMPOSSIBLE to articulate. If you get anything from this review just understand that this is worth the read. It is a beautiful book. It has adventure and romance and mystery. It’s written in a way that is fresh and exciting. If you love Stephanie Garber, you will love this; she does not disappoint in this new series. If you love reading, you will love this. If you love watching television, you will love this. If you love having a good time, you will love this. PS. I want to mention that the cover is something I orginally didn't like, but there is not a better cover for this book. It matches the vibe of this book perfectly.

I think the first half was definitely better than the second half. The pacing of this is honestly what got me because I just kept thinking ugh just get together already. I felt like the plot was stretched out bad