After reading 15 books in the Maas-verse, I’m about ready to be done. This book, in particular, started to grate on me. The dialog was especially jarring, feeling out of place even for a modern setting. The mix of ancient beings with teenage-like romances felt odd, especially with centuries-old characters acting like smitten teens.
I’m fine with smut in fantasy, but Bryce and Hunt’s relationship felt over the top. Their inner monologues about each other, despite their traumatic experiences, seemed unrealistic. It often felt like the smut was being wedged in without regard for the story’s pacing or context.
The story itself was decent, and it was nice to see some worlds collide. However, the constant use of the term “leveling up” became laughable, almost like a running gag. While it was entertaining, the elements that once drew me into the Maas-verse are starting to wear thin.