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reread

I reread this before reading the second one and it was just as good as the last time I read it! The book flew by once I started getting into it again just like the first time, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared for the second one, I just hope it's as entertaining as this was!

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This was better than I thought it was going to be! I've seen people saying that it was good, but not the best, and I can understand that, but honestly, I overlooked all of the issues because this was so much fun!

I actually had to force myself to stop reading so that I could sleep because it is literally so addicting. And I actually put off finishing the book because I didn't want it to end, which never happens to me 🤨

Yes, the book had flaws, like some things were very convenient, some things didn't really make much sense, but as I said, I overlooked everything.

I think the high from originally finishing this book has faded now, so I think instead of 5 stars I'd give it 4.5 (just because of those little issues) but it's not much of a difference.

The plot in this was actually so much fun. I will be using the word "fun" many times throughout this review. There was a lot going on, but it never really felt like there was high-stakes, despite the fact that Wren was in some very difficult situations. It just felt really lighthearted and cozy which is exactly what I wanted.

It's very much a typical YA fantasy, just with a lot of humor and fun packed into it, hilarious moments throughout the entire thing, so if you're looking for something more mature, this book isn't that.

As for the journeys that the two main characters were on, I actually preferred Rose's chapters to Wren's. I was surprised because everyone kept saying they liked Wren's better, but I loved reading through Rose's journey to discover who she is, what she is, her history, and let's not forget her banter with Shen, and honestly, their romance was the main reason I liked Rose's chapters better.

With Wren, I really did enjoy her story-line, navigating everything and all that, so I guess there's that. But nothing really intriguing was happening there, except for all the lies and deception that she was doing (which I love her for) And then there's also her romance, but we'll talk about that later.

Now for the characters, surprisingly again, I liked Rose better than Wren. Don't get me wrong, I love Wren, but I love Rose more. Yes, she's the stereotypical, bratty, "you must bow down to me" princess in the beginning, but she grows immensely from that. She made me cringe a few times, but only one of those times was because of something she did.

I also really enjoyed Wren's character too; I loved her sarcastic, not-a-care attitude, and her snarky personality. She's stronger and fiercer than I could ever be, and her loyalty is very admirable. I sound so stiff when I say all of that compared to Rose's; that's how you know when I have nothing more to say 🤭

Aaand now the romances. I actually loved the romances in this, but I definitely preferred one over the other.

Shen and Rose are just perfection. The banter and "enemies to lovers" (not really but close enough) was so fun and I was giggling over their moments so much. I want MORE.

Tor and Wren are all right. I do really like them together, it just doesn't feel like there's as much chemistry, and it feels a little rushed (Shen and Rose's is kinda rushed too, but I'm a hypocrite) But overall, I still liked them.

Just to add in some critiques because I'm supposed to be a "fair" and "honest" reviewer: some things were just very convenient. Like Rose and Wren became friendly way faster than I would've expected, since Wren literally tried to steal Rose's crown and then Rose just almost instantly forgave her, which was a little confusing. And as I said above, the romances were a tad rushed, like both couples grew to trust each other quite fast, but it's kind of different for both, like Wren told Tor a lot more than she should've after knowing him for not that long.

Anyways, I'm so glad I finally picked this up since I've been putting it off for a while because the size was scaring me a little. Overall, I loved this book more than I should have and it's now going to become a comfort read, and I'd recommend it for people who just want to have fun and don't care about the YA-ish feel. Can't wait for the sequel! 🥰

4.5 stars

(If you're wondering why there are no quotes, it's because there aren't any in the quotes section and I'm too lazy to go back into the book and find any good ones 🤩)

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I actually loved this so much more than I thought I would based off of people saying that it was all right. Yes I realize that this book comes with its flaws, but I honestly did not care one bit because I was having such a blast reading it. It was so freaking fun and I didn't want it to end

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