First things first... HOW am I supposed to wait for book 2?!?!
Okay, now that that's out of the way.
The author provided me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review. Here goes:
Big swoon for Dalton. We love him. He is reckless and impulsive and sassy and mischievous and caring and it's AMAZING. I started out actually liking Randolph better, secretive, broody lil jerk he is. Still love him but love Dalton more. Charmaine is so authentically herself (besides the hidden magical powers, thing, of course) and it's inspiring. She's candid, and loving, and vulnerable, and it shows us that it's OKAY to be those things... that those traits are a strength and not a weakness like so many believe. Her relation with James makes me wish I had a big brother. Which James is the perfect example of, btw. He and Lawton are the Dynamic Duo (TM). They are absolutely hilarious both together and on their own, and I live for the banter they bring to the table that is this tale. And last but not least, Elena. Queen energy. Literally and figuratively. I love her fierce and logical nature. She's level-headed but passionate at the same time, and has a knack for seeing the greater good even when those circumstances are against her own wishes.
Overall, if it wasn't obvious... I loved this. One of my favorite things about it is that you truly feel like you're living this story alongside the characters, especially Charmaine. The story is immersive and all the characters are relatable; we get their fears, their thoughts, their secrets, their insecurities, their longings, their pain, their grief, their joy, and their love.
I cannot wait to see how Charmaine continues in her personal growth, Randolph opens up, Dalton embraces his responsibilities, and whatever else is in store for this series.