WOW, just WOW! This book was everything I wanted and more in a gothic fantasy. This was by far the best gothic fantasy I read last year, and honestly, it’s my second favorite book of the year. If I could give it 10 stars, I absolutely would!

I fell in love with gothic fantasy books in 2024, and I am completely obsessed with this subgenre now. After hearing so much hype about this book, I knew I had to give it a try, and I’m so glad I did—it did NOT disappoint! The atmosphere, the dark mystery, the eerie vibes—it’s perfect for the fall or Spooky Season. The pacing is impeccable, with no slow parts to be found. I was hooked from the very first page and couldn’t stop reading.

The world-building and magic system are unique, creative, and so well-crafted. I loved how the author took something familiar and made it her own, pulling me deeper into this gritty, dark world. The writing is lyrical and beautiful—Rachel Gillig has a way with words that completely brought this story to life.

The found family trope in this book hit me right in the heart. The characters who come together on a quest to save and heal a kingdom shrouded in a deadly mist are fantastic. I loved all of them—each one had such depth and complexity, from the main couple to the side characters. There’s a lot of tension, family secrets, betrayal, deception, and a whole lot of mystery that kept me turning the pages.

The slow-burn romance was an absolute highlight. It’s perfectly woven into the fantasy and adds so much to the emotional depth of the story without overshadowing the plot. It’s not overly spicy, but there are a few mild spicy moments that are definitely PG-13 and still very enjoyable.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I can’t wait to dive into more of her work. I can’t wait to read the sequel to this duology. I know it’s going to be just as captivating. If you love dark fantasy with a rich, immersive world, compelling characters, and a romance that’s both sweet and tense, you need to read this story. It’s absolutely unforgettable! Highly recommend!!