The synopsis for this drew me in instantly: a noir mystery with magic, but a non-magic protagonist? I had never heard any reviews on it though, so I went in without any high expectations.
Sarah Gailey does a good job of introducing you to the world and magic system as your main character also learns, and the magic school setting is (as always) fascinating.
While Ivy isn't exactly a morally gray main character, she isn't always the easiest to root for, either. She is determined and smart, and the mystery she's trying to solve leads you through a couple of (for me anyway) unexpected twists and turns. Maybe I should have, but I did not see that ending coming.
This book was a solid 3 star read for me. It was an interesting read, kept me entertained, and trying to figure out the mystery kept me guessing throughout. The writing didn't feel like anything special in particular, however, and I wish the ending had felt more fleshed out, because it just felt so abrupt and I wanted at least another chapter or two to answer some questions I still had.
Sarah Gailey does a good job of introducing you to the world and magic system as your main character also learns, and the magic school setting is (as always) fascinating.
While Ivy isn't exactly a morally gray main character, she isn't always the easiest to root for, either. She is determined and smart, and the mystery she's trying to solve leads you through a couple of (for me anyway) unexpected twists and turns. Maybe I should have, but I did not see that ending coming.
This book was a solid 3 star read for me. It was an interesting read, kept me entertained, and trying to figure out the mystery kept me guessing throughout. The writing didn't feel like anything special in particular, however, and I wish the ending had felt more fleshed out, because it just felt so abrupt and I wanted at least another chapter or two to answer some questions I still had.