Review
This was an incredible read, easily one of my top favorite reads of the year. As someone who loves books that depict dark topics and actual morally gray characters, this book is just right up my alley.
I was intrigued from the start, and unpopular opinion, but part 1 is probably my favorite part of the story. I think it builds a great foundation for the world-building, the magic system, and our characters' dynamic, as well as their background. The world-building in here is one of my favorite things about this book; I love the use of necromancy, vivimancy, and just alchemy in general.
I think the author did a great job explaining the world to readers because, if I'm being honest, I instantly understood the magic system, and no, I have not read the fanfiction version of this story. This is by no means a romantasy; however, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the love/romance line in this book. The author knows how to write a compelling enemies-to-lovers slow burn; I kid you not, I was feeling GIDDY over the chemistry between Helena and Kaine. Kaine Ferron might be my new top male character; he is morally complex. There were many instances I wanted to scream and slap him, and the next I was feeling sad about how unfortunate his life is.
Unpopular opinion: I did not think this book was that sad or painful to read. Yes, there were a lot of heavy and unpleasant moments, but I think the ending wraps the story up very well, and I was satisfied with where our characters' journey goes.
My one critique is our main protagonist, Helena. Now don't get me wrong, I love her; I love how kind yet also fierce she is and how she never backs down. I also like that she is a healer; it gives a refresher from all the warrior FMCs, though nothing is wrong with that. My critique is how a pushover Helena sometimes can be; she lets people dogwalk over her, and the narrative knows this is her fatal flaw, but I just wish they had let her snap and rage at people a bit more.
That being said, I absolutely adore this book and 10/10 would recommend it, BUT PLEASE, look up the trigger warnings before going in because there are a lot of graphic scenes.