If I had to sum this book up in one word, it would be vague. Everything was so, so vague.

The writing was promising. I find with a lot of first time authors, the writing and the dialogue can often times be clunky and awkward, but I did appreciate the writing in this story. Everything flowed well, the descriptions made sense and weren't bogged down or over-descriptive.

However, the story was incredibly hard to digest. It said so much for saying nothing at all. At the 20% mark, I had no idea why anything was happening. I had no hint at what the goal of the book was. I felt like I'd started the second book in a series without ever even glancing at the first book. It was a very frustrating process reading this book. I felt as though I had to keep going back to make sure I hadn't missed a part or accidentally skimmed over something at parts, because it felt like things kept cropping up out of nowhere without any foundation or even the subtlest of hints earlier in the book.

The magic system in this book is not explored or explained. A big thing is that Aris - the female main character - can't remember most of what she dreams. This is important, but we don't know why. We're never told, and to not be told something that is supposed to mean so much to the story was completely non-sensical.

The characters were done with too little depth for me, and I feel that has a lot to do with the number of characters. There wasn't enough time to flesh them out, and yes, this can be done in later books, which there definitely will be for this series since it ended on a cliffhanger, but not enough was given in book one to really get me invested in any of them.

I can kind of see what Evaris was going for with this, but the execution just fell short.

If you want a mysterious teen urban fantasy that doesn't deliver much in the way of information and you don't mind waiting until book two or even book three for that coveted information, then you'll probably enjoy this. It reminded me a little of the Crave series. It gave the same vibes.

*dramatic sigh* Oh where to begin! For starters, BEAUTIFUL COVER!

I really enjoyed the book. Literally the first chapter had me HOOKED. I thought it was very well written, though in the first four chapters I was confused on what was going on, but it quickly picked up from there. The descriptions felt so magical that even when I wasn't reading, my mind was still in that dream-like haze, I LOVED it!

Going on to the worldbuilding; I thought the world felt pretty vague but since it is the first book in a series (I'm assuming) there will probably be more to learn as the series goes along. I understood the basics of everyone's powers but somethings still just felt too convenient. By the end, I kinda hoped there was an actual threat that would make me panic waiting for the second book, but that was quickly resolved! The actual cliffhanger that we left off on is interesting, but it was already hinted earlier that something like that might happened so it just felt like mild tension for me.

For the characters, I thought there were too many and most of the relationships felt rushed. WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT'S BEEN 2 WEEKS?? By the end maybe 3, but it just feels so ??? that Aris would just be so willing to possible risk everything for these people! I didn't understand why we got the teacher's POV, it seemed random (I get it but it still felt unnecessary). I feel like it would have been just as well explained through Aris's POV, maybe that way I'd care a little more about him.

Despite all that, I did love the main characters and their relationships with each other. They were all very unique and it was refreshing to read about their friendship. Also, I'm team Lochlen <3 and their relationship simply broke me. It was literally what hooked me in the beginning only to make me suffer in the end!!

Overall, would definitely recommend, I'm excited to see where the story goes next! [me realizing I probably have to wait a WHILE for book 2 since book 1 isn't even out yet :') ]

4.75 🌟

thank u netgalley and hidden grove books for an e-arc for a honest review

the prophet's gambit was is a gripping and well crafted fantasy novel. the story is set in a world of magic and mystery, where powerful forces are at work behind the scenes. the story follows aris and along the way she meets a enigmatic boy named alek and the two of them embark on a passionate romance that adds an exciting layer to the story

the plots moves at a brisk place with plenty of twists and turns in unexpected ways. the characters were all so well-drawn and unique, and it's easy to become invested in their fates. the world building was so appreciative, with vivid descriptions of the setting and a well-developed political system that adds depth to the story

what i loved most about this book was the way that ellie crafted her characters. aris is a strong and capable heroine who is easy to root for, and alek is a mysterious and intriguing love interest who keeps you guessing until the very end

overall, another book to be excited for the release of

I tried. I mean I really tried to get into this book. The description sounded like it was right up my alley, but the writing style wasn’t great and way too many characters were introduced too early on to keep them straight. I will give any book 20% to grab my attention. I have this one 25% the. Came to the conclusion that my time is better spent reading something else. Thank you, though, to Net Galley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy/