STORY:
First, this cover *chef’s kiss* is excellent. I’m always in the mood for black female leads, fantasy, and dragons, so I was excited to read this. I liked that the Given conflict started quickly. This certainly wasn’t a bad story but too much of Weysh’s family and college life consumed it. If it was going to be about saving Yenni’s daddy, then I wanted that to be the primary focus and let Weysh’s telenovela happen in the background.

One of the coolest elements of the story was the runelore/rune painting. I just adored it! The way Yenni paints literal UPGRADES onto her body immediately fascinated me. The different Moonrise and Creshen Gods were also great, and the Otherspace and magic theories were fun. In addition, there are some references to microaggressions, racism, colonialism, cultural appropriation, family expectations, etc. I could have done without the hair-touching scene tho.

The pacing was not slow, but it felt long at times. Maybe that was due to so much filler. But I will accredit it mostly to the merge from Wattpad. When you’re waiting for a story to update, the pacing is perfect, but, when you have all the chapters at your disposal, y’know it is different. I was tired of Yenni’s tutoring, Weysh, and little ragdoll Carmenna’s feelings being tossed to and fro. She just dealt with a lot, but I’m so glad there was no jealousy from her. I kept waiting for something exciting to happen. Toward the end, we get a super fun fight scene with a puppet. I would’ve liked more scenes like that! The ending picks up but that long middle slowed me down.

One minor thing I wondered about the technology in Creshen/Yirba. Yenni had never heard about a pencil and apparently dragons did all the air-transportation.

CHARACTERS:
Yenni is a bit dull and naive but not bad. She stands up for herself and is capable.

On the other hand, Weysh is annoying. I don’t know if it’s because I never cared about Weysh but all his drama was tiresome. He came out the gate too thirsty. He licked Yenni (in dragon form) and then upon their first meeting, he said they’ll be married soon. Way too much! Haku would never haha! Of course, Yenni’s reaction was the obvious one.

I know, a tall dude with violet eyes and a lone black braid with his chest out should be endearing. I don’t think many readers are strangers to angsty, promiscuous, physically-fit, and possessive male love interests with anger issues, but I didn’t care for Weysh at all. I enjoy villains, anti-heroes, or “bad boys” who secretly have hearts of gold as long as they’re likable. Although Weysh is nowhere near one of the worst offenders, I didn’t find anything swoon-worthy about him. Eventually, he does change for the better after a life-changing event. A good point: Weysh tried to learn Yenni’s language/about her culture.

Montpierre is horrible, and, to be honest, Weysh’s maman is complicit. I get that she’s so grateful he still wants to be with her after Guste assaulting her, but how do you let a man make your child feel like an outsider? Yooo, that scene when he told Weysh he hated him and she was tryna lie. XD I’m sorry, but I had to laugh.

Noriago was trash. He should've been in prison.

Diedre was sweet. I loved her Island accent.

OVERALL:
The ending had such an air of finality, but I know there is a sequel. I’m calling it now: Yenni and Weysh fell in love way too fast, so I already know book 2 they are breaking up and she gon slide to Prince Nahati. I’d be surprised if something else happened. Give the prince a chance haha! Whatever the case, I’m interested in reading more stories from this author.. ( )