The labeling on the book is really confusing. The title has "Part one" on it but it's the second book in the season. Instead of putting "part one" it should be "book 2". A reader can deduct that there will be another book in the series. It's confusing.

When it comes to the story overall, it's OK. It got boring quickly

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Gripping, Heartbreaking, and Utterly Addictive

I’m at a loss for words because this book is so masterfully written that I can’t describe it without veering into spoiler territory. Picking up with Kharis at twenty years old, her situation is as dire as we feared—and then some. The stakes are impossibly high: use magic, and it speeds up her death; avoid magic, and Kharis dies anyway. Madness looms as the first sign of the unraveling, and even the faintest glimmer of hope is tied to devastating risks. In breaking the curse, Kharis could also die, or she could unleash the demon into the world, or both. Gelpi crafts a gripping narrative that had me clutching the book and whispering, “No, no, no!” more times than I’d like to admit. Yes, I cried, I laughed, I cursed. Ch 31 did me in.

By the way, readers can follow along without having read “A Land of Shadows and Moss,” the first book.

The world-building is exquisite. Every detail is immersive, from the oppressive weight of Kharis’s curse to the vibrant landscapes she traverses. Gelpi doesn’t just build a world—she places you in it, making the journey to the faraway temple as emotionally fraught as it is physically perilous. Did I mention this book made me hungry? The pacing blends action-packed moments with reflective, character-driven scenes and comedic relief. And that cliffhanger? It was brilliant and unexpected. I didn’t see it coming.

What truly stands out is the character development, especially the nuanced relationship between Kharis and her sister, Saya. In the first book, their bond was a cornerstone of the story, but now, as they grow and grapple with their desires and struggles, we see subtle fractures. Saya begins to dream of a future free from the curse, and Kharis’s unyielding determination to save her so Saya can have a life adds a poignant layer to their evolving dynamic. It’s heartbreaking and real, and I couldn’t get enough.

Aghet Mendi emerges as a standout villain—dangerous, calculating, and enigmatic. His hidden agenda kept me on edge while his malevolence was chilling. And Noam, Reza, and Itzu? They are the kind of love interests who sneak up on you with moments of sweetness and subtle charm that had me swooning. The slow-burn romance and tastefully done intimacy add depth to this story. I highlighted tons of quotes, but these three… You’ll thank me later.

“As if you needed to ask.”
“Until my very last breath.”
“On my life and honor.”

And can we talk about the cursing? Thank you, Gelpi, for making insults feel creative while avoiding lame f-bombs.

Tropes in this book: The Chosen One; Slow-burn Romance; Soul Mates; Forbidden Love; Sword and Daggers; A nearly-impossible Quest; A Call to Adventure; A Prophecy; A Curse; Tests, Allies, and Enemies; Good versus Evil; Forbidden magic; a transformational hero’s journey.

With innovative world-building, high stakes, and tropes you’ll love, this is a must-read for epic fantasy fans. This book is not romantasy, so for those looking for fantasy without spice or cursing, this is for you. This book hooked me from the first page to the last with themes of resilience, love, and redemption. ASR Gelpi, take my money—I need the sequel!