Rating: ⭐️⭐️
I went into this book really hoping to get swept away by its premise, and while I stuck with it all the way through, I ultimately didn’t think much of the reading experience. I chose not to DNF it because I kept holding out hope the story would settle down and find its rhythm — but it never really did.
The biggest issue is the total lack of clear structure. The narrative jumps all over the place constantly, with no smooth flow between scenes or moments. The timeline is incredibly confusing, and the plot itself is tangled and hard to follow; I spent most of the book struggling to make sense of what was actually happening, why events were unfolding, and how they connected. It feels like there are a hundred different threads and side plots all going on at once, with none of them properly explained or tied together. On top of that, it’s rarely clear which character’s point of view you’re reading from — switching without warning or context, which only adds to the chaos.
The only reason this isn’t a 1‑star rating is the writing when it comes to characterisation. I really loved how the author described and brought the characters to life, especially Obsidian — he stood out vividly, with a depth and presence that made him feel real and memorable. That spark of skill is what kept me turning pages, even when the story around him felt messy and disjointed.
I know this is part of a series, but right now I’m genuinely unsure if I’ll carry on. If the next book can tighten up the structure, clarify the timeline and POV, and give the plot room to breathe, I’d be willing to give it another shot — but as it stands, this first entry was far too confusing to enjoy properly.
Have you read this before? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Love&Pages,
J💛
Books For The Soul 