This was everything I didn't know I needed. The way I devoured this book without wanting to ever put it down... It's honestly the best feeling.

This book had me tense, stressed, and also rooting for all the secrecy and subterfuge. It has strong world building with an intricate governmental/ruling power and complicated dynamics between all of the many characters we meet and love.

Laia and Elias were excellent main characters, each following their own paths in pursuit of their own goals, but finding their fates interwoven in some of the most inopportune ways. And the it made the tension SO thick and SO good.

The side characters who come along are also so easy to love. Izzi & Cook, Keenan & Sana. Helene? Cain? The mysteries of the Augers and their part in everything.
While we get to know some much better than others, it's endearing to see so many characters woven together for this larger story.

And the setup for the next book?? Catch me immediately picking up book 2 because I am CAPTIVATED.

And as I am a chronic overthinker, there are so many pieces to this story that feel like breadcrumbs that I am so eager to see how and if they come back later on... GAHH I loved this so much!!