I was super excited going into this book, because the world-building was very atmospheric, and I was ready to get into the autumn spirit as Isobel was whisked away by the autumn prince. However, in the end, the world-building fell flat for me, and I was left disappointed in the amount of the setting I was able to see. I was also confused about the concept of the World Beyond, because it was never really explained (maybe I was just not being perceptive enough).

Isobel and Rook had a cute little romance, but I think it would have benefited from being developed further before they started acting so drastically to protect each other. I also wanted more development, or at least scenes (even flashback scenes would have been fine), with Isobel's family, because I felt told rather than shown how important they were to her.

Finally, the ending was anti-climactic, and I think it wrapped up too neatly with a nice little bow. Overall, the book fell flat for me. I think I would have been more satisfied if I just got more atmospheric story-telling from the autumn court/fairy realm, but I did not get this.

the writing is pretty and i ate up all the pining. quite an interesting take on the fair folk too. an immersive read that kept me engaged since page one.

A lovely little YA “faery tale”

(3.5) I liked this more than I thought I would! i’m not a big fantasy reader but this was short enough to hold my attention. I really loved rook and isobel, but their romance seemed very insta-lovey. I wish we got more scenes of them together before they were “in love”

3.5. YA, predictable but still decent. It's fae silliness but still better than acotar.

Picked it up on a whim/Libby req because I felt myself falling into a reading slump, now at least I'm treading water.


I'll probably stay extra unserious the rest of the year while I try to power through my remaining goal for the year

4.5

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