Who is this book for?
- Fans of romantic fantasy and fae stories like The Cruel Prince or ACOTAR series.
- Readers who enjoy portal fantasy with a human protagonist entering a magical world.
- Those looking for an easy, comforting read with familiar tropes and a sweet romance.
- Fans of Mary E. Pearson's previous young adult works wanting to try her adult debut.
- Listeners who appreciate well-narrated fantasy audiobooks with engaging voice acting.
Who is unlikely to appreciate this book?
- Readers seeking a highly original take on fae fantasy that breaks new ground.
- Those who dislike insta-love romances or prefer very slow burn relationships.
- Fantasy fans who prioritize intricate worldbuilding and detailed magic systems.
- Readers frustrated by plots hinging on miscommunication or withheld information.
- Those expecting a standalone story, as this ends on a cliffhanger for a series.
Things online reviewers enjoyed about this book
- Engaging fantasy romance with compelling characters and magical danger
- Well-paced plot with twists and reveals
- Beautiful and sweet romance between the main characters
- Seamless weaving of Celtic lore and portal fantasy elements
- Strong world-building and intricate fae court intrigue
- Likable and intelligent female protagonist who makes smart choices
- Interesting premise and solid worldbuilding
- Enjoyable audiobook narration that brings the story to life
- Comforting and familiar fae romance story for fans of the genre
- Good balance of romance and epic fantasy elements
Things people didn't like as much about this book
- Plot feels similar to other fae romance books without much originality
- Pacing slows down significantly in the middle sections
- Relationship between main characters develops too quickly for some readers
- Key characters withholding important information from the protagonist feels frustrating
- Large amount of filler content and scenes that don't advance the plot
- Timeline inconsistencies and logic issues in the story
- Too many POV shifts that don't enhance the narrative
- Abrupt and unsatisfying ending that feels like a cliffhanger
- Romance lacks sufficient buildup and tension for a slow burn
- Worldbuilding and descriptions of settings feel underdeveloped
