Such a well-written book! I enjoyed the characters, pacing and witty dialogue and respected the bold choice to make the mmc mute! He did talk through hand gestures and we got full conversations (don't worry!) - but such a great choice to let him speak silently. Maybe the world needs more silent men ... (who said that? 😶‍🌫️) His silence got balanced by proximity, naturally, and that made for such good tension, I ate it up! I think, the mute mmc made the tension even better. No words needed. We get mostly Lyras pov, but some chapters are from Roark, and I loved the insight in his mind! At first, I had a hard time understanding the different crafts (I'm still not entirely sure of what the magic can do), and I didn't quite understand the aims, goals and intentions of each party or why everyone wants Lyra, why some of them want her dead. Part of it became clearer, but at some point I just vibed with not knowing. The other parts of the book held more than enough in store, to keep me entertained! The cast in general was loveable and we get a male best friend for the fmc who is actually close as a brother and not secretly in love with her - THANK YOU! 📑 The prince was undeterred and raised a horn. “We are here to celebrate our own rebelliousness and distaste for being flaunted as the tools of two kingdoms.” Probably my favourite of all was Prince Thane! He is such a sweetheart, brave, loyal, observant and funny! He had the best lines. 📑 “This is where I leave you. I am told I must also escort my mother. Seems no one can stroll the halls on their own these days.” And Emi - such a darling, but always making sure people know to respect her. 📑 Will you think I am an absolute ass if I ask another favor of you? “Oh, likely, but I do love having debts between us.” I adored the interactions between Roark and Lyra. Roarks jealousy early on was peak and he definitely is a possessive love interest who literally kills for her, but it's commented on and done well, so we will forgive him and enjoy the show, remembering it's only a book. 📑 Roark curled his hand around my arm, tearing me away from the crowd. “Pardon me,” I said over my shoulder to the stunned woman. “My captor has need of me, it seems.” Lyra was a self aware, strong fmc without being the warrior type of person. She was great too! This book contained one of my least-favourite romance tropes: Soul Mates. Luckily, the trope was only mentioned twice or so and the romance worked well without it. Also, an occasion of "the villain explains everything before killing the fmc - but oh, surprise, she will escape with that knowledge". Let's ignore this part. Time to address Skul Drek, who I was intrigued by from the start. He screams morally grey and I really liked him. He makes for the most interesting character in the whole cast, mysterious and all. I will say no more. The end was very much to my liking - this is how you end book one of a duology! It came with utterly unexpected twists and the main characters both ended in a place that promised an exciting continuation, made hungry for more, and yet, was satisfying enough to close the book. For now.