Final Rating:
Date of Completion: 30/07/2026
Published by: Tor
ISBN: 978-1-0374-0129-9
Cover:
Writing:
Storyline:
Characters:
Romance:
The highlight for me was the fascinating worldbuilding, which combines a futuristic setting, advanced technology, a deadly virus, magical powers, political intrigue, and a central prophecy. This immersive world was easy to sink into, thanks to the smooth and casual writing style. What I didn’t expect was the story’s darker, character-driven approach, focusing on trauma, relationships, and personal growth. While I appreciated the depth this added to the main characters, their development—and romance—still felt forced at times. Also, despite the high stakes, I rarely felt the urgency or tension needed to keep me fully invested. Still, the climax provided a satisfying payoff and left me curious about how the next part of the series will unfold.
Quotes:
Discussion Questions (Contains spoilers!):
Q: Do you have any similar book recommendations?
Only Bad Options by Jennifer Estep comes to mind as a book I’ve enjoyed with a similar blend of science fiction and fantasy. It also has the fated bond trope and nice character development, although it’s more of a fast-paced adventure once it gets going. For similar character-driven fantasy reads, there’s also Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross and The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon. These have richly developed worlds, romance, and political intrigue that influence realms.
Q: What were your overall impressions of the worldbuilding, and which parts stood out to you the most?
Q: If you were living in this world, which group would you choose to belong to, and why? What challenges do you think you would face?
Q: What were your thoughts on the main characters, Elegy and Theren, and their romance? Did their personal growth feel earned or forced? What moments helped you connect with them? Were there any choices they made that annoyed or surprised you?
Q: Which secondary characters left the strongest impression on you and why? Is there anyone you wished had received more focus or development?
Q: What did you think about Elegy and Theren’s relationships with their parents and siblings?
Q: Did the prophecy trope work for you as a plot device? Did it feel fresh and meaningful, or more predictable and unsatisfying?
Q: Do you keep any plants, or have you ever formed an unexpected attachment to one?
Q: Would you have made similar decisions to Elegy and Theren in their position?
Q: Any theories about the Sundial journey and Cedre’s future? What obstacles do you expect the characters to face in the sequel?
Q: Which of the final reveals or twists surprised you the most? Were there any you saw coming?
Do you agree or disagree with anything mentioned above? Let us know in the comments below.
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