I listened to this on audiobook. The narrator did a great job, however I did not enjoy any of the characters except for Vy (and Alice). Everyone else, including Petra are so full of hate and toxicity (strange for being supposed members and soldiers for the Light). I guess that is supposed to be a thing but it is weird with the flip flops that Petra does, being vicious and threatening to Vy and then suddenly having sex. It just doesn't vibe and I think Vy deserves better. The search for the talisman to fix the past was interesting with the trip to Japan and summoning the last guy that had knowledge of it but most of this book was fighting, death, sex and running. I have no desire to continue this series. Especially after that ending which kinda wiped out most everything that happened in this book. Though I am happy that Vy found peace with herself. Also, I was sad to see how whitewashed Vy is on the cover.

So five stars for the narrator and three for the story itself.

This was a gorgeously narrated book.

The story was compelling and kept getting better until the very end, in my opinion. I wasn't particularly invested at the beginning, but the characters grew on me thanks to the incredibly dynamic plot. The world is rich and imaginative and I was so invested by the last 2 hours. As a start to a series, I think it's a very solid first book and I'm definitely looking forward to the continuation.

The first half of this book was amazing and I loved it. After the first half, the story got a little convoluted for me and I felt like the ending was rushed. On the whole, this is a good story but I'm not sure if I would continue the series or not at this point. The romance was just ok for me. I was expecting to love Vy and Petra together but what sounded like it would be an amazing romance was more like a spark that kept fizzling out for me. The intent was there but I just wasn't feeling it. This book was an entertaining read and I think it has it's merits, but for me it ended up being middle of the road.

Laura Horowitz is a wonderful narrator and did a great job on this novel.

Thank you NetGalley and MC Press for access to the ALC in exchange for an honest review.