The rhymes and cards piqued my interest. Overall I enjoyed the book, but I did have a few things that made the book a little less than it could have been. Regardless, I read it in two sittings and did have a fun time.
Ravyn isn’t a bad boy and this isn’t enemies-to-lovers as advertised. You might think forbidden love because he is an officer and she is the thing he is hunting - much like in Powerless - but Ravyn does nothing but good deeds and is honest with her basically from the start.
The plot was also easy to guess. But the balance between politics and fighting was good. I think Elspeth as a narrator was good. Regardless, it was still an enjoyable story.
Spoilers and Speculations Ahead! You’ve been warned.
I guessed who the Nightmare was very early - like chapter 3. I also pieced together that the Rowans killed the Shepard King way before our girl, Elspeth. She is not very clever.
I don’t think Elspeth is completely gone. I think she just retired to the recesses of her own mind while the Nightmare takes control for a bit. Also she said the last words she says “aloud” to him… maybe they can only mind speak moving forward. Or her soul goes in Ravyn’s body.
Also Ravyn being like, “I'm a liar and a bad boy, i’m no good for you” like shut up, you are a sweet baby angel, i see no darkness within him. Elm on the other hand …. hot. then again, ravyn did crush the prince’s hand in a public display for hurting his fake girlfriend.
The Nightmare is absolutely going to kill King Rowan somehow in Elspeth body or when he is freed (I think he is going to be freed in some way). I lowkey suspect the king is infected himself.
Ione wanting power didn’t really connect with me based on Elspeth’s description of her cousin - makes me feel like she really didn’t know her at all. But then again, she did say the maiden changed her. Ione may have felt helpless in her betrothal to the prince and feels like she needs her autonomy back.
Low key thought the twin alder’s card was buried with the Shepard king. Are we going to fight the spirit of the wood? Are there other gods? What of the cards?
I am intrigued enough to read the second book after a few others on my TBR.
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