The world that is built up throughout this first book in the Verran Isles series was truly captivating and I loved every moment of getting to know this world.
From the separate kingdoms, each ruled over by a God, to the different abilities that the people of the world possess, I was so invested. What I loved even more? This book and its world are DARK. This is not a lighthearted, cozy fantasy read by any means. The world, the events that take place, and the people are dark, and it is very fitting to the story being told.
This means the main characters also possess a measure of darkness to them as they are forced to deal with a world that isn’t fair and knocks them down at every turn. Ivy is held captive by her abuser and has led a very tragic life from childhood, groomed by her captor and only just beginning to see him for what he truly is. And Thorne. He is the kind of character that is impossible not to love from his first appearance. He has also had a tough life and his at times unapproachable attitude covers the depth that he truly holds. Ivy and Thorne have the most raw, engaging chemistry imaginable, and I couldn’t get enough of them interacting with one another, dislike and all.
I did find the book to be a bit of a slow burn, and it took a bit to hook me in, but once it really got going, I was immersed in it and fully captivated. This held true up until the very ending where I flipped the page fully expecting more just to realize the book ended on a pretty mean cliffhanger. I am genuinely flabbergasted with the ending, and I fear it will be a brutal wait until the sequel releases because answers are needed. I am fully invested in this series and eagerly await the second book as I will need to pick it up immediately.
