Recent Reads: Starling House by Alix Harrow

Starling House by Alix Harrow

Publisher: Tor Books
Publication Date:  October 3, 2023

 

Format: Hardback
Source: BOTM Pick October

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis:

A grim and gothic new tale from author Alix E. Harrow about a small town haunted by secrets that can't stay buried and the sinister house that sits at the crossroads of it all.

Eden, Kentucky, is just another dying, bad-luck town, known only for the legend of E. Starling, the reclusive nineteenth-century author and illustrator who wrote The Underland--and disappeared. Before she vanished, Starling House appeared. But everyone agrees that it’s best to let the uncanny house―and its last lonely heir, Arthur Starling―go to rot.

Opal knows better than to mess with haunted houses or brooding men, but an unexpected job offer might be a chance to get her brother out of Eden. Too quickly, though, Starling House starts to feel dangerously like something she’s never had: a home.

As sinister forces converge on Starling House, Opal and Arthur are going to have to make a dire choice to dig up the buried secrets of the past and confront their own fears, or let Eden be taken over by literal nightmares.

If Opal wants a home, she’ll have to fight for it.

Review: 

I love this cover so much, sadly the story was just ok for me.

Opal is raising her younger brother after her mother's death, it was a freak accident and she drove off of a bridge. Arthur has taken over a family home in the town of Eden, which has always interested Opal. While Arthur and the house are odd, and there are so many rumors around its weirdness, Opal takes an opportunity to work as a house cleaner there to raise money to help her brother get into a better school. Arthur and Opal kind of become friends and this has a strange almost grumpy/sunshine trope...to some degree. 

Highlights of this book were all around the house, it was strange and kind or alive and it does stuff to its own liking. I also liked the add-in of  The Underworld, a book by the first Starling House owner. I enjoyed these magical things, but the way it all came together in the end just felt odd and kind of rushed. Maybe there was too much romance build up and not enough explaination of the dreamworld magic and the town for my liking. 

Overall it was a creepy and fun read for the end of October/ early November, and think that some will love it. It jsut wasn't for me.

Recent Reads: The Three Little Mittens by Linda Bailey

Source: From LibraryThing Early Reviewers Program in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

The Three Little Mittens by Linda Bailey 

Publisher: Tundra Books
Publication Date:  October 24, 2023

 

Format: Hardback


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

A single mitten is excluded by a matching pair in this endearing picture book about friendship, belonging and the pressure to "match." For fans of The Day the Crayons Quit .

Dotty and Other Dotty are a matching set of mittens. When another mitten, Stripes, loses her partner and becomes a single mitten, they don't feel the need to include her. She doesn't "match" them, so she is banished to the dark, lonely pocket of the Little Girl who owns them. Before long, however, Dotty loses her partner, and now she doesn't match the reunited pair of Stripes and Other Stripes, who in turn banish her to the pocket. "YOU don't match!" they tell her.

When the Little Girl, who has been listening to their conversations, weighs in with a huge question ("Why do you have to match?"), the mittens are shocked. Then comes their realization that "matching" often means leaving someone out. This prompts the Little Girl to break a fundamental rule of fashion so that individual mittens (and maybe even socks! or shoes!) can be themselves — and everyone can belong.

A warm and fuzzy story with lots of laughs, this latest picture book from Linda Bailey explores what it feels like to be excluded and included and celebrates one-of-a-kindness!

Review: 

This is a picture book about mittens, Dotty and Other Dotty, they are a pair and they get very snarky at Stripes, who is missing their match. Tables turn with Other Dotty is left, and now Dotty has to be worn with Stripes, they become friends along the way. Until Other Stripes is found. When the Stripes start to tell Dotty that she is on her own, the little girl chimes in that they could always be mis-matched and that is fine, and then everyone would get a chance, and pull out a bin of other lost matches. The mittens are all thrilled to be out playing again and teh socks and shoes tag along too. 

This was a fun book about getting creative. I liked the sustainability aspect of it, mismatched mittens are still fine. The illustration was whimsical and 'puffy' which was good for the illustration of the mittens and gloves. I think kids will love it and want to mis-match all their things too. 

Overall, adorable, fun story perfect for the winter season.

Recent Reads: The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

Publisher: Gallery Books
Publication Date:  October 24, 2023

 

Format: Hardback
Source: Bought

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

The Woman in Me is a brave and astonishingly moving story about freedom, fame, motherhood, survival, faith, and hope.

In June 2021, the whole world was listening as Britney Spears spoke in open court. The impact of sharing her voice—her truth—was undeniable, and it changed the course of her life and the lives of countless others. The Woman in Me reveals for the first time her incredible journey—and the strength at the core of one of the greatest performers in pop music history.

Written with remarkable candor and humor, Spears’s groundbreaking book illuminates the enduring power of music and love—and the importance of a woman telling her own story, on her own terms, at last.

Review: 

I bought this book because I kept hearing that she mentions her relationship with Justin, and I grew up with them in the forefront of music and that relationship was everywhere. I heard that what she was saying would cast a new light over Justin and his success and wanted to read it for myself rather than all the news coverage. 

This poor womean. She has been through so much, as a teen and as an adult. Her family were horrible to her all out of greed for money and power. Following the trial, you would have seen that too. 

Britney writes like this is a diary of sorts, in a way it was probably pushed out for publishing pretty quick after she was freed from under her father's thumb. The writing ...well it isn't great, but that said it was still impactful in some ways. There are some attempts at deeper thought and purpose, but really it is very surface level. It adds an element of realness to it though, like it wasn't overthought, just flowing onto a page like thoughts and feelings. 

All that said, it was a good read, insightful. But we don't read books like this for fun, warm fuzzies. It was hard to read about her experiences, it was all shitty, and her family was gross, and Justin ..well, he is officially an ass in my mind. He started teh downward spiral that would allow her parents to really dig in, and if he didn't see that, or ignored it, shame on him. 

There was a lot of talk about mental health and the understanding of it in the 90s-2000s and how the lack of information out there also hurt her for a while. 

Overall, I am glad that I read this book. I think some of the timeline seemed a bit skewed but overall it was a hard but worthwhile read if you are interested in learning more about what she has been doing, or hasn't for that matter.

Building the Book Pile #435

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

Hi Again - and thank you for waiting (again). Things have been crazy and are only going to get more nuts here soon, but I have been reading a lot too. Just not having the chance to sit down and blog about it. Sorry about that. I am trying to get a bunch of reviews written and up for you so stay tuned.

Then I hope to read a bunch more during travels coming up. I go to Japan (squee) for work for 10 days, then LA for another 4, then we are off ot PA for Christmas. There is some good reading time in there I know it! 

Do you have a crazy busy holiday season coming up?!

Either way, I hope you have a lovely weekend leading up to Thanksgiving week (in the US).

Coming up on the Blog

Recent Reads: The Woman in Me by Britney Spears (Adult, NonFiction)

Recent Reads: Three Little Mittens by Linda Bailey

Recent Reads: Starling House by Alix Harrow

Books Received Recently...   

Empire of the Damned (Empire of the Vampire #2) by Jay Kristoff - from the publisher for review. (THRILLED) 

This Spells Love by Kate Robb - BOTM Pick.

Not pictured - Iron Flame and the new special edition of Fourth Wing.

Annnd back to B&N...my poor wallet...but it is my happy place.

Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree

Ordinary Monsters by JM Miro

Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett

Hunt on Dark Waters by Katee Robert

Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood

Have you missed anything lately?

Monthly Re-Cap (Aug/Sept) and TBR (Oct)

Early Reader Review: Follow the Shadows (The Tales of Moerden #1) by Rosemary Drisdelle (MG) - DNF

Recent Reads: A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik (Adult/YA) - 5 stars

Recent Reads: Back in a Spell by Lana Harper (Adult) - 3 stars

Early Reader Review: All that Consumes Us by Erica Waters (YA) - 4 stars

Early Reader Review: In Charm's Way by Lana Harper (Adult) - 3 stars

Early Reader Review: Champion of Fate by Kandare Blake (YA) - 4 stars

Donating Caffeine is greatly appreciated ... Donate on Ko-fi

What have you been reading?  Leave a comment for me.

Happy Reading!

Early Reader Review: Champion of Fate by Kandare Blake

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Champion of Fate by Kandare Blake 

Series: Heromaker #1
Publisher: Quill Tree Books
Publication Date:  September 19, 2023

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Behind every great hero is an Aristene.

Aristene are mythical female warriors, part of a legendary order. Though heroes might be immortalized in stories, it’s the Aristene who guide them to victory. They are the Heromakers.

Ever since she was an orphan taken in by the order, Reed has wanted to be an Aristene. Now, as an initiate, just one challenge stands in her way: she must shepherd her first hero to glory on the battlefield. Succeed, and Reed will take her place beside her sisters. Fail, and she’ll be cast from the only home she’s ever known.

Nothing is going to stop Reed--until she meets her hero. Hestion is fiery and infuriating, but what begins as an alliance becomes more, and as secrets of the order come to light Reed begins to understand what becoming an Aristene may truly cost. Battle looming, she must choose: the order and the life she had planned, or Hestion, and the one she never expected.

Review: 

Reed is an initiate to the Aristene - a mythical order of female warriors who assist humans on their journeys to glory by war, fights, marraige, or death. Their legacies live on once their bodies no longer thrive and the immortal Aristene move on.  Reed must complte her first hero quest, helping her human achieve glory, in order to become a full Aristene but her path is different from others - she has been gifted the blood of the gods to bring glory in death. 

* This book was hard to explain and talk about when people asked, I didn't want to give too much away, but also the concept seemed odd then spoken aloud. However, it was a good book!* 

Reed is simple, angry, but normal in light of her training to be immortal. She was emotional and aggressive where needed, and not overly stubborn, like most would be in her position. I thought that the world was interesting  - an in between for the Aristene and then the 'real world' that was still fiction. I think we could have popped them into our world w/ similar effect, pre-tech maybe. (just a random thought). 

Reed struggled with her plans to become an Aristene and her drive to 'keep' her charge - Hestion. She saw him in the Aristene mirror pool so early that she formed a connection long before meeting him as her hero and the aspect lends well to her overall struggle. 

I though it was a horrible move to also not tell her that for some Aristene, their heros gain glory in death - that would have been a  good thing to share with the class pre-plan.  'Hey, BTW before you essentially kill yourseld to be reborn, immortal... did you know...?' 

Rant incoming...

I like miscommunication in book but I HATE when info is purposefully withheld 'to protect' someone. They are the judge of that. Reed already survived the death of all her village then being an offering and then extensive training too... arrrrg. She was young, but cabable and if she can make this life choice as a child, she can make ones for herself now too. 

End Rant.

Anywho, overall this was a good book. I as invested in Reed's sense of duty and her turmoil over her love for Hestion. I liked the timeline presentated and am interested ot see what happens in the next book of the series. 

Recent Reads: In Charm's Way by Lana Harper

Source: From the Publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

In Charm's Way  by Lana Harper  

Series: The Witches of Thistle Grove #4
Publisher:  Berkley
Publication Date:  January 3, 2023

 

Format: Paperback


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

A witch struggling to regain what she has lost casts a forbidden spell—only to discover much more than she expected, in this enchanting new rom-com by New York Times bestselling author Lana Harper.

Six months after having been hit by a power surge that nearly obliterated her memory, Delilah Harlow is still picking up the pieces. Her once diamond-sharp mind has become shaky and unreliable, and bristly, self-sufficient Delilah is forced to rely on friends, family, and her raven familiar for help. In an effort to reclaim her wits and former independence, she casts a dangerous blood spell meant to harness power with healing capacities.

While the spell does restore clarity, it also unexpectedly turns Delilah into an irresistible beacon for the kind of malevolent supernatural creatures that have never before ventured into Thistle Grove. One night—just as things are about to go terribly sideways with a rogue succubus—a mysterious stranger appears in the nick of time to save Delilah's soul.

Gorgeous, sultry, and as dangerous as the knives she carries, Catriona Quinn is a hunter of monsters—and half-human, half-fae herself, she is the kind of sly and morally gray creature Delilah would normally find horrifying. Though Delilah balks at the idea of a partnership, she has no choice but to roll the dice on their collaboration. As the two delve deeper into the power that underlies Thistle Grove, they uncover not only the town's hidden history but also a risky attraction that could upend Delilah's entire life.

Review: 

This review may contain spoilers for previous books.

This installment follows up book 3 nicely - Nina Blackmoore accidently/ somewhat purposefully wiped the memory of another witch in town. Delilah Harlow has been trying to regain her memories but hasn't had any luck, andnow the council has told Nina that she has to work with Delilah to fix the wards that she also broke down. Delilah loathes Nina. This installment follows her as she tries to regain her mind, but also as she meets and interesting new visiter named Cat. 

Cat is in town to "follow a succubus" and with her arrival many other supernatural creatures start lurking into Thistle Grove. 

This was a weird and fast way to introduce monsters into the world of witches. It was like the author need more character archs so why not just plop them into this world without really talking about then any time before this. It felt very off and strange and I didn't love the idea. If this had always been her plan, why not slowyl introduce through the other stories? Given that they were just plopped in, there was little to no explanation, just HERE WE ARE, and the world building around them was very limited.

Even though this was written as another romance, I never trusted Cat, she seemed sus from the beginning and even in the end I had bad feelings about her and her affection for Delilah. 

What this book did ok - was that there was a focue on rage holding you back, both mentally and physically. You can't properly heal with that kind of rage. I am glad that this was addressed even if it was quick. It was interesting but sadly never really fuilly fleshed out that that Lila did the same thing Nina did - it was all self-preservation based.

Overal it was cute, and the plot development for the overall town was interesting and good. I liked the Harlow's new theories and plans. 

Blog Blast: Excerpt & Giveaway! - Touch of a Withc by S.G. Slade

About the Book

Touch of a Witch by S.G. Slade
Series: Darkness Rising, #1
Publication date: October 31st 2023
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Historical

When visions of death haunt her every move, only the darkest magic can save her.

Sarah Stone’s family have always closely guarded the secrets of their witchcraft. Though they tend as healers to those that know them, few guess the truth of the family’s skills.

But others have secrets too, and when Sarah finds herself caught in the grip of a terrifying curse, she fears for the fate of all she holds dear. As a dark shadow haunts the taverns and brothels of Bankside, whispers of the curse begin to spread. Then she is accused of witchcraft, and there seems to be no escape.

In a world where the those called Witch end up on the gallows, can Sarah find a way to turn the curse aside? Or will the price be too high to pay?

Content warning: strong sex scenes and the occult.

Touch of a Witch is the first standalone novel in the seductive Darkness Rising series.

An earlier version of this novel was published previously as Shakespeare’s Witch

  

 Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo

In her chamber Sarah peeled off the damp outer layers of her clothing and shivered as the cold air brushed her skin. The hearth was grey and cold and she rubbed at herself with a towel, pale skin reddening. Then she dressed herself again, in plain dark wool that felt good and warm, hanging up the damp clothes and hoping the bodice would be dry by the morning; she wanted to wear it again. She had liked the new shape of her body and had seen Nick pass his eyes across her with pleasure more than once. For a moment she sat on the edge of her bed, reluctant to go back downstairs and face her parents, in spite of the cold. She wanted to think about Nick and recall the look in his eyes when he saw her. The thought of it kindled a heat inside her, a new and unfamiliar warmth – she wondered what he was doing now, if he was still drinking with Tom and the others, or if some whore had taken his fancy and was giving him pleasure. She sighed, envious; she had only the vaguest notion of the ways a woman might pleasure a man. It was not something she could ever ask her mother: her mother’s sternness discouraged such intimate questions. Perhaps she should ask Tom, she thought. She knew without a doubt that he was skilled in such things.

Standing up, bracing herself to go downstairs for supper, Sarah ran her hands once more across her bodice and down the lines of her hips and her thighs, attempting to feel her body as a man might do, and understand. Heat prickled again through her limbs and she swallowed, aware of her breathing, a new light-headedness. An image of Nick played across her thoughts, his fingers caressing the ample bosom of a whore, his other hand lifting her skirts. She hesitated, the feelings new and disturbing: she was uncertain how to respond to them, and their intensity left her breathless. She stood for a moment in the cold room, struggling to calm her breathing and quiet the restlessness in her body. Finally, when she thought she was once more in command of herself, she took a single deep breath, squared her shoulders and headed downstairs for supper.

About the Author

S.G. Slade was born and raised in the historic city of Bristol in England, and now lives in Sydney, Australia, with her husband, son, and a very small dog called Livvy. She has worked variously as a secretary, a teacher, a shop assistant and a nurse, but lifelong obsessions with books, history, and magic have never waned. When she isn’t reading or writing (which isn’t often), you can find her either doing yoga, going for long walks, or watching old movies. Touch of a Witch is her first historical fantasy book.

She uses the pen name S.G. Slade for her fantasy books, and also writes Historical Fiction under the name Samantha Grosser.

Find the Author 

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

GIVEAWAY!

Blitz-wide giveaway (US & UK)

3x paperback copies of Touch of a Witch

a Rafflecopter giveaway

—

Early Reader Review: All That Consumes Us by Erica Waters

Source: From the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

All That Consumes Us by Erica Waters 

Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date:  October 17

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

Ninth House meets The Dead and the Dark in this gothic dark academia novel that delves into the human capacity for great love, great art, and great evil.   Magni animi numquam moriuntur. Great minds never die.  

The students in Corbin College’s elite academic society, Magni Viri, have it all—free tuition, inspirational professors, and dream jobs once they graduate. When first-gen college student Tara is offered a chance to enroll, she doesn’t hesitate.?  Except once she’s settled into the gorgeous Victorian dormitory, something strange starts to happen. She’s finally writing, but her stories are dark and twisted. Her dreams feel as if they could bury her alive. An unseen presence seems to stalk her through the halls.  And a chilling secret awaits Tara at the heart of Magni Viri—one that just might turn her nightmares into reality; one that might destroy her before she has a chance to escape. 

All That Consumes Us will pull readers into a hypnotizing, dark reverie that blurs the lines of reality and shows that the addictive nature of ambition—and its inevitable price—always claims its due.  

Review: 

All that Consumes Us is a young adult, fantasy, horror, that packs in the paranormal with the unsure, loner college student vibe. Tara is a 1st gen college student who is an aspriing writer, but her collge dreams are being crushed by her loan and payment responsibilities. She works multiple jobs to get by and she is barely hanging on. It was her hope to be selected as one of the 6 students inducted to Magni Viri, an elite acaedmic society that covers all college expenses and is it's own internal friend group. 

Tara isn't initially let into Magni Viri but a freak accident has now pushed her in, but it is too good to be true and there are secrets and weird things happening to her. 

Tara was a great representation of a 1st year college student trying to get through her new life and support herself. There is a lot of self doubt and loathing of her time and effort, and it all comes to a head when she is chosen for the academic group. This is her answer to everything. She is a bit stubborn but is willing to overlook the quirkiness to progress her abilty while in college - I don't blame her. 

The book does a great job setting the tone and the horror elements. It is not too scary but enough so give shivers. The overall theme was super interesting and I though it was well put together, but don't want to go into more detail - I don't want to spoil it for readers.

I think that former Goosebumps readers will enjoy this one, and anyone looking for a more YA speeed style horror will also enjoy. Overall a great spooomy read for October.

Recent Reads: Back in a Spell by Lana Harper

Back in a Spell by Lana Harper  

Series: The Witches of Thistle Grove #3
Publisher:  Berkley
Publication Date:  January 3, 2023

 

Format: Paperback
Source: Bought/ Own

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Even though she won’t deny her love for pretty (and pricey) things, Nineve Blackmoore is almost painfully down-to-earth and sensible by Blackmoore standards. But after a year of nursing a broken heart inflicted by the fiancée who all but ditched her at the altar, the powerful witch is sick of feeling low and is ready to try something drastically different: a dating app.

At her best friend’s urging, Nina goes on a date with Morty Gutierrez, the nonbinary, offbeat soul of spontaneity and co-owner of the Shamrock Cauldron. Their date goes about as well as can be expected of most online dates—awkward and terrible. To make matters worse, once Morty discovers Nina’s last name, he’s far from a fan; it turns out that the Blackmoores have been bullishly trying to buy the Shamrock out from under Morty and his family.

But when Morty begins developing magical powers—something that usually only happens to committed romantic partners once they officially join a founding family—at the same time that Nina’s own magic surges beyond her control, Nina must manage Morty’s rude awakening to the hidden magical world, uncover its cause, and face the intensity of their own burgeoning connection. But what happens when that connection is tied to Nina’s power surge, a power she’s finding nearly as addictive as Morty’s presence in her life?

Review: 

This review may contain spoilers for previous books.

I like that this series is kind of stand-alone but also that it helps to have read the books before them. The town and characters are all intertwined even though the main characters change throughout the series. 

This installment follows Nina Blackmore, sister and lawyer of the Blackmoore family. Her brother was the Blackmoore that lost the tournament of families in earlier books. Nina was talked about a little but she wasn't the focus. Before this book, Nina's fiance left her pretty much at the alter... and she is grieving that loss and down on herself. Nina is trying to date but still not in to it fully. The plot of this story is a bit two-fold, the first is that her bestie picks her a local date from her dating app... who turns out to be a pretty interesting guy, but also that while she is wallowing she receives the favor of the goddess in the lake that we have been hearing about book to book. With this favor, Nina gets more powerful and doesn't realize it but it is affecting the town. With her new power she is also bonded to her date a 'normie' named Morty.

This was essentially an enemies to lovers set up - Morty hates the Blackmoore family and Nina isn't interested in dating. The plot though is focused on the power/ favor that Nina is given. There are some spicy bits and romace but it was very insta-love. I liked Payback better and book 2 was more about helping community then the romance/love elements, this one kind of went further into the spicy. 

There was an underlying note about feeling powerful and Nina needed a nudge out of her depression. I think that was something great to focus on but going fully into "tada magic cures it all" was not a fun outcome. I think that this one could have come together better. It is a very good lead into book 4 though.

Recent Reads: A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik

A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik

Series: The Scholomance #1
Publisher: Del Ray
Publication Date:  September 29, 2020 

 

Format: Audiobook
Source: Audible

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Lesson One of the Scholomance: Learning has never been this deadly.

A Deadly Education is set at Scholomance, a school for the magically gifted where failure means certain death (for real) — until one girl, El, begins to unlock its many secrets.

There are no teachers, no holidays, and no friendships, save strategic ones. Survival is more important than any letter grade, for the school won’t allow its students to leave until they graduate… or die! The rules are deceptively simple: Don’t walk the halls alone. And beware of the monsters who lurk everywhere.

El is uniquely prepared for the school’s dangers. She may be without allies, but she possesses a dark power strong enough to level mountains and wipe out millions. It would be easy enough for El to defeat the monsters that prowl the school. The problem? Her powerful dark magic might also kill all the other students.

Review: 

It took me far too long to grab this book and I am loving this series so far.

At the Scholomance students of magic are thrown in for 4 years to survive and learn about the arcane arts. At any point monsters could and do pop out and consume their magic and mana...and them. All are gearing up toward graduation which requires mana to cast and defeat hordes of monsters lurking at the exit of the school.                                                                      

El is an outcast, junior, trying to collect mana on her own since she has no friends. This year things start to change when Orion Lake, the hero of the school starts to save her and hang around. 

I like the overall vibe of this book; it was dark and moody and El is so sarcastic and guarded that it was a great character to follow. I felt like it was a good mix between harry Potter and Hunger Games and Babel a bit with the school/languages.  requirements. 

El is determined, stubborn, a loner, awkward, but powerful, although very limited due to her status in the Scholomance. Orion was also stubborn, making them hilarious as a pair, but also strong and over the top. He was also a loner in a way although other students swooned over him for saving them and keeping them safe. I loved how the friendships built in this story, it was pretty organic in a lot of ways, acquaintances that became more, they worked as contrasts to one another in fun ways. 

The overall story was good. I really loved the world build but the climax seemed a bit lackluster to me - I am not sure why. The school of magic, the spells, and world - top notch, the monsters - so gross and wonderful. I won't spoil the overall ending, but just felt a little meh. 

That being said I really liked that there was this romance, non-romance thing happening...super slow burn ... will they /won’t they thing between Orion and El that the school and reader experiences so nicely.