The beautiful cover first caught my attention, and I’ve wanted to read this author for a while.
Quell has been on the run with her mother for most of her life because toushana, a deadly dark magic, runs through her blood. It’s highly destructive and something she can’t control. When they’re found and nearly cornered, Quell’s mother sends her to her grandmom, the headmaster of a magical school and someone who’s been out of their lives for many years. Now, Quells finds herself in a debutante society full of magical elites and learns there’s more to her family than she ever knew.
I liked Quell. Being on the run for so long, she’s a pretty good judge of character and does what’s required to survive, giving her time to accomplish her real goals. She works hard to control her magic and make her grandmom proud, but soon finds herself in dangerous situations. Jordan, her mentor, assassin in training, and love interest, is brooding, angsty, and hiding secrets of his own. I knew something was up with another character whose name I won’t mention, and when the twist came at the end it wasn’t completely shocking, but still a nice one.
Pacing is a little uneven in the first half of the book, but the last quarter finds a faster stride.
If you enjoy dark academia, forbidden magic, and angst-filled romance, this could be your read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Quell has been on the run with her mother for most of her life because toushana, a deadly dark magic, runs through her blood. It’s highly destructive and something she can’t control. When they’re found and nearly cornered, Quell’s mother sends her to her grandmom, the headmaster of a magical school and someone who’s been out of their lives for many years. Now, Quells finds herself in a debutante society full of magical elites and learns there’s more to her family than she ever knew.
I liked Quell. Being on the run for so long, she’s a pretty good judge of character and does what’s required to survive, giving her time to accomplish her real goals. She works hard to control her magic and make her grandmom proud, but soon finds herself in dangerous situations. Jordan, her mentor, assassin in training, and love interest, is brooding, angsty, and hiding secrets of his own. I knew something was up with another character whose name I won’t mention, and when the twist came at the end it wasn’t completely shocking, but still a nice one.
Pacing is a little uneven in the first half of the book, but the last quarter finds a faster stride.
If you enjoy dark academia, forbidden magic, and angst-filled romance, this could be your read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.