Good book. Well-built characters and world. I jumped right in and liked it. So far, it's been a lovely slow introduction....like an empty beach. Lovely, but I thought I would be happier out here instead. I'm waiting for it to start.I want to say 4 stars, but it was a well written book, and I was immersed in it....I just found it boring sometimes.This is supposed to be the darker part of the book... and more steam.. more action. And although the twists and all were good. Just found myself getting bored watching it all in my head.I kept thinking this somehow reminds me of hungergames and Catness hunting to feed her family, then being in the underground bunker or district 5 as she deals with the horror of killing to live. And I thought of From Blood and Ash....and yea it's not as great. Actually, I'm not sure I want to keep going, I see more books in this series....BUT book 1 ends on a HEA, and I kinda feel it is closed. 3.5 stars

Not my cup of tea. Here's why.Firstly, I kinda don't feel right about the love between the 2 main characters. Stockholm syndrome anyone?Secondly, Tamlin has a boring personality. I find the side characters more interesting.Thirdly, what's with everyone in this book tongue clicking? Also, I get it. Tamlin is muscular. Stop telling me.Lastly, I don't get why the boring scenes (romance and unnecessary parties) are so dragged out but the interesting fantasy part is so short. The part that contributes to world building are mostly characters retelling the stories.If you are a fan of romance, then this is for you. If you prefer fantasy then a lot of things are left to be desired from this book.