Review Detail

The concept of a world in which magic is available yet still subject to the same racial and socioeconomic constraints pulled me in quickly. Brophy creates an intriguing world with a well-developed magic system that’s easy to understand, and her characters are engaging. The story is fast-paced and it’s easy to get caught up in Shay’s life and struggles, especially as she goes through such a rigorous and exhausting schedule to achieve her goals. She’s single-minded and dedicated to attaining her scholarship, and it’s easy to empathize with her, even though she can be frustrating at times. The romance is sweet, and the enemies to lovers trope is used very well in this story.

While books mirror reality, for a YA book that is marketed for 12 and over, there are multiple instances of profanity throughout the story, which may be concerning for some readers, especially those on the younger side of the spectrum.

Overall, the story is intriguing. Despite centering on fantasy, it does focus on some very realistic elements of discrimination in a variety of forms, including racism, classism, and homophobia, as well as incorporating aspects of grooming. It’s a fast-paced ride through a fascinatingly creating magical world full of intriguing characters who are just starting to find their way in life and love, and kept me hooked from start to finish, hanging on every word.