Not when I was five and told them about the boy with pointy ears who saved my life in the forest. Not during thirteen miserable years of bullying and being labeled the town weirdo.
Until a guy with golden eyes and a royal guard escort shows up at my door to drop a bombshell.
That little boy? Yeah, he’s real.
And he’s a fae Prince.
And he magically linked my life to his when he saved me.
I know what you’re thinking. Lucky girl, right?
Wrong.
Because now the Prince is sick and apparently, I’m the only one who can save him. How can I possibly say no?
That’s how I find myself in the fae realm, where pretty much everything either wants to kill me, eat me, or...use me for something worse. If not for the gorgeous fae who saved my life, I'd have died an hour in.
Mr. Tall-Dark-and-Grumpy has annoyingly beautiful eyes, a voice that sounds like sex, and a tattoo that screams trouble. He says his name is Rune, and he’ll take me to the Prince safely—if I do what he says.
Unfortunately for me, he looks like he's made of shadows and really bad decisions, so naturally, I follow him.
But the more time we spend together, the more near-death experiences we go through, the more Rune gets under my skin. He makes most people look the other way, but he's sweet when no one's watching. He makes my heart do really weird things.
And just when I think my life couldn’t possibly get any crazier—it does.
Turns out, this whole saving-the-Prince business can get a girl into a whole lot of trouble, and I’m not entirely sure I can handle it this time.
**Lifebound is a romantasy with a delicious shadow fae and a couple of very spicy scenes. You can expect tropes she falls first--he falls harder, touch her & die, one *horse* trope, fae royalty, fated…but not *mates,* Prince Charming included (just not in your usual kind of way). Enjoy!
5/5 ⭐️ 3.5/5 🌶️ I started LifeBound thinking I knew what I was getting into—but I was completely wrong, and honestly? I loved that. This book surprised me in the best way. The world building is phenomenal—so layered and immersive that I could see every detail in my mind as I read. It’s the kind of world you fall into without even trying.
The grumpy/grumpy dynamic between the main characters was such a refreshing shift from the usual grumpy/sunshine trope. Watching two emotionally closed-off characters navigate this dangerous, magical world while trying (and failing) not to care about each other? Yes, please. Their chemistry had so much tension, and their internal thoughts and reactions were so vividly written that I felt every moment of it—frustration, longing, fear, connection—all of it.
The pacing kept me hooked, and the way everything unraveled toward the end left me reeling. That twist? Did not see it coming. Now I’m counting down the days until book two drops because I need more of this world and these characters.
If you love immersive fantasy with emotionally complex characters, surprising twists, and that deliciously grumpy chemistry, add LifeBound asap!!
I’m getting real mad at all these 5/5 fantasy books ending on a cliffhanger and we don’t have the second book!!
With that said holy crap is this book good! I devoured this as fast as I could. I cannot wait for book two and to find out what happens.
Nilah is a human who was healed by a fae when she was little. That connection later in life is the reason she has to travel to their world. But it’s not easy, they end up getting attacked and Rune steps in to not only save her but to help her get to the Steele court. Along the way, feelings grow and we get some great spice! Truly perfect amount for a fantasy book. And that’s all I will say cause anymore will give this away.
I know I shouldn't be shocked still. But everytime I read something by D.N. Hoxa I am completely mesmerized by what she puts on the page. I can say I'm never disappointed. I read this 500 page book in 1 9 hour sitting. I couldn't look away
It randomly popped up as a recommendation on kindle unlimited and so I decided to give it a shot! I was worried that it was going to be predictable from the start, and while at times there were some predictable moments, the story didn’t go the route I thought it was going to and I’m glad it didn’t!
While at times it did feel a little delinquent because the FMC is 18, there were other moments where you did see character growth.
Some things I wish I had seen: more plot with her best friend Betty, some more storyline as to why she says, “dad always lies”, some more backstory to the MMC. I know that some of it is probably so that there’s content set up for the next book, but it read more like plot holes at times. For example, you’re telling me that a 6 year old was supposedly able to kill a queen and then proceed to survive on their own in an evil forest for two years? I know that this is fantasy but there’s no way that’s realistic. Especially when he’s talking about how he has a crazy amount of power, how would he really remember that when his powers got “locked” when he was 6 and that was the last time he had all of his power?
Overall, I think it was a good book. I like the characters we met along the way (most of them at least) and I’m glad that the FMC was able to make friendships along the way, and I also liked seeing the variety of beings described!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was a cool storyline, but it took me forever to read. It was a constant description of scenery and people with brief paragraphs of actual action or steam/spice. I will say that ending did make me want to see what happens in the next book, but I can’t really say I enjoyed reading this one. It seemed very long for nothing to happen essentially. Lots of cool magic and characters for sure and the world does seem cool but I suppose I just didn’t like the immature writing style. A review mentioned that the author excessively mentions lips and I completely agree with that along with toe curling, lol. I also didn’t personally enjoy the FMC having an overly realistic reaction to being in a magical world. I get that yeah most people would probably be grossed out easily or be itching to go home right away but as someone who loves reading fantasy just as it was mentioned she liked to do I would definitely be way more interested especially if I was around a hot fae man who stirred feelings in me like no other person ever had before. I’d totally explore the crap out of that! Healthy dose of fear totally cool but the constant disgust and wanting to go home just to move away from her friend and family anyway like girl the answer is literally right in front of you! Too wishy washy about what makes her freak out and very whiny. I get having questions too obviously, but my god she was so annoying through just about the entire book…. Taking a break before the next book to forget how annoyed this book made me lol. If you’re wanting a book that makes you want to dnf every few pages but also keeps you interested enough to just chug through then this is a book for you.
Lifebound is everything I want in a fantasy book — magic, intrigue, and some spice. DN Hoxa has woven a tale that sparkles with magic, slow-burn romance, and the kind of world-building that makes you want to live between the pages forever.
The story follows Nilah, a sharp-witted human with a secret, and Rune, the brooding fae. Their chemistry crackles from their first encounter, but what sets this book apart is how their relationship evolves—filled with tension, tenderness, and mutual growth.
This book ended in a HUGE cliff hanger and I am going to be waiting impatiently for the next book!
I will preface this by saying I went into this book completely blind. I haven’t read any of Dori’s previous books before but something about the premise of this book just drew me in after reading the description. And let me tell you it did not disappoint. I was HOOKED.
I mean who doesn’t love a good Shadow Daddy, because I am here for it. But the story was so intriguing. I kept coming back for more.
And that cliffhanger? Absolutely did not see it coming. D.N., you are a wicked wicked lady and I can’t wait for book 2!!
You’ll love this if you love: Possessive, growly MMCs Shadow Daddy vibes A fierce, but broken FMC Romantasy vibes Sloooow burns
AHHHH I received this as an ARC and OH MY GOD. Rune gave me butterflies. There is action, betrayal, secrets, and I was hooked from the beginning. The cliffhanger at the end of this book is killing me because as soon as we got to the end, I knew something was fishy and of course that’s when it all went down. I’m beyond excited for book 2 yet I have no idea when it will come out since technically this book hasn’t even published yet.
This book and characters are absolutely amazing. Once I started reading I was completely hooked. That ending OMG, I need to know what’s going to happen next. Another amazing read that everyone should one click
Very high fantasy. Really cool world building and creatures and magic. Couldn’t put it down cause the story kept building and taking you on adventures. Love the author’s lax style of writing ha.
Why is no one talking about this book? Im not sure how this book hasn’t gone viral yet? From the start I was intrigued by this story- From a Fae boy healing a young girl in the forest to ending on a completely unpredictable cliff hanger. The end blew me away and was completely not what I was expecting, in a good way. Nilah is sassy while Rune sounds like the midnight man of many women’s dreams. Their banter is great and spice is nice 😍��� onto book 2 ❤️🔥
“Lifebound” has me bound! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Lifebound” by DN Hoxa is a dark 🌶🌶🌶🌶 fae romantasy with a slow-burn romance, forced proximity, magic, and spice. It takes place primarily on the continent of Verenthia, a world full of magic-wielding creatures that stalk the night, water, and the light. It is book one in the “Royal Sins” series. 18-year-old Nilah Dune is known as “the weirdo” in her town of Lavender Hill, Oregon. When she was five, she told people a boy with pointy ears and glowing hands healed her after a snake bite. She has been ridiculed ever since. Until the uncle of that boy, who is the Prince of the Seelie Fae, arrives and tells her their life force is shared and only she can save him. When Nilah enters the continent of Verenthia, the convoy is attacked. She is saved by Rune, a mysterious fae who promises to take her there safely. As they travel the continent, the dynamic between them changes. As secrets come to light and they learn more about each other, will they be able to reach the prince unscathed? Will she even want to go back? Will she be able to go back home once the debt is paid? “Lifebound” is a single POV story, focusing on Nilah’s perspective. It is written with a casual voice and tone, being that the storyteller is Nilah herself, it fits well with the story. It uses a lot of verbiage that is common today (example: “perfectly executed. 10/10.”), and it made for a reading experience that was thoughtful, comedic, and feral (in a spicy way). I enjoyed it. 10/10. Nilah is a homegrown menace towards bullies, and it was glorious. Having been bullied by the town since she was five, she and her friend, Betty, enact justice in a way that (in their eyes) serves the crime. Having been bullied when I was young, I understood her drive for justice and her distaste for bullies and making others feel as lesser. Her headstrong nature doesn’t change for others. Whether it was the uncle of the prince, a powerful imp, the Queen, Rune, or even her hometown bullies, she wasn’t one to back down or to be made small. She is both compassionate and protective, leaving a trail of friends and foes in her wake. Her thoughts and feelings towards the people she meets add to her character's protective, loving, and compassionate nature. While continuing to help others (or at least trying), she grows into her feelings towards Rune. Throughout the book, we find her looking at the man with hungry eyes. She is on the prowl. She’s feral. She is feening for a piece of Rune. Her approach and thoughts towards him, while feral, are incredibly comedic. I talk, look, and act the same way towards my husband. The world of Verenthia is full of a menagerie of creatures with their lore, kingdoms, and behaviors. It is creative how dynamic the creatures are, including Tuck and Tucker the Twinborn. He was precious. I feel as though this only served as an introduction to the world, and I am ready to see and learn more. The last 10% of the book had me nervous. I knew this wasn’t going to end well. I felt it, Nilah felt it, and it happened. The cliffhanger at the end drove me crazy! It was an amazing book, and I am waiting (not) patiently for book two!
D.N. Hoxa just always knows how to suck me into her books!
Lifebound follows a human girl, Nilah, who was saved by a young fae boy when she was 5. No one ever believed her when she told them about him though. They called her crazy and bullied her and her whole family for it. 13 years later, fae show up at her door and the little boy who saved her? He’s a fae prince and had connected their lives together all those years ago. And he’s sick. She’s the only one that can save him. Determined to pay back her debt to him, she sets out to travel to the fae realm and a whole new world to save him.
It’s not too long though, before she and her group run into trouble in this new world. Separated from them, monsters have come to kill her, when she’s saved by a mysterious fae man, Rune. Rune tells her he will take her to the Seelie court to heal the prince, someone who saved his life once too. Rune is mysterious and tall, dark, and handsome in all the ways Nilah fantasizes about. Their journey through the realm isn’t an easy one and day by day, her thinking of just wanting to get back home as quickly as she can begins to change as she grows closer and closer to Rune. He can’t deny their attraction either but tries to keep his distance, knowing there’s always the chance that the prince could sweep her off her feet once he awakens. Every time he tries to push her away, she pulls him back 10x harder. His goal is to save his friend, but in the end will his goal also break his heart?
The author is always really good at mixing modern day into fantasy stories and I was glad to see that we travel to a new realm with just references to the modern world. It still keeps it fantasy to me.
Also, as with multiple series by her, the author knows how to write good spice into her stories 🌶️🌶️ that doesn’t take away from the plot but is spice that shows the passion and desire the characters have. It’s slow burn but not an enemies to lovers slow burn that feels like it drags on and on and on. The tension is high and delicious!
Book 1 here ends on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait for book 2 to see where it goes! I kind of guessed what the cliffhanger might be but I was actually surprised a bit by it too within its context.
It had all the ingredients of a great romantasy: a life bond to a prince, an enigmatic male lead in Rune, magic, mystical beings, and a plot that hinted at deeper political and magical threads. The idea was genuinely intriguing, and I can absolutely see why some readers might fall head over heels for it. The journey had its moments—especially when Rune was on the page—and the worldbuilding held promise.
But the execution is where things fell a little flat for me.
With this being a first-person, single POV book, you need to feel connected to the protagonist—and unfortunately, I just didn’t. Nilah often felt one-dimensional, her thoughts dominated by desire more than depth. There was potential for emotional growth, especially with her complicated bond and the trauma in her past, but it never quite got there. Her inner dialogue often came off as whiny or immature, which made it hard to root for her. When a character is your only lens into the world, not being able to connect with them makes the reading experience feel a bit hollow.
The pacing was also a mixed bag. Some sections moved well, pulling me in, while others felt like filler—particularly the early bullying scenes, which didn’t add much to the overall arc and felt misplaced in a story that was otherwise aiming for a darker, more mature tone. And while there is spice, it often felt like it was driving the plot instead of enriching it, overshadowing character and story development.
That said, I did enjoy the magical elements and the variety of beings introduced. The bond and Rune’s role kept me curious. Lyall, though largely a background figure, had just enough mystery to make me wish we’d gotten more—only to be left dangling with a cliffhanger that didn’t quite hit as hard as it should have.
So while the plot was interesting and the core concept full of potential, the writing style just wasn’t my favorite. If you’re drawn in by the premise and don’t mind spice-forward storytelling, this could still be a fun escape. Just go in with tempered expectations.
This was the perfect introduction into D.N. Hoxa’s writing world that I can’t wait to for book two of the Royal Sins series especially after that cliffhanger ending! Nilah was saved by a fae when she was just a child, and while she was more than excited to tell everyone about him the people around her saw her as a child with a too active imagination but when Nilah refused to say that the boy was just a making of her own mind she was sneered at and cast aside as liar well into her teenage years… that is until the boy who once saved her now needs saving in return. A mission she agrees too immediately. Except while she was promised safe passage into the fae lands, Nilahs experience has been anything but safe… and when she’s separated from the people who were suppose to protect her she’s forced rely on the tall, dark, and mysterious Rune. Rune who seemingly wants the same thing as Nilah, to save the fae man who once saved her, even if he seems to be holding more than one secret close to his chest. As Rune and Nilah stumble into danger after danger as they pick their way across the Seelie Court, they slowly begin to look at each other as more than just strangers stuck together through unfortunate circumstances… they may possibly even be falling in love… but can love truly bloom if there are secrets being kept, secrets that may come in the form of outside sabotage?! If you’re looking for a book that has a sassy FMC who may allow the world to walk all over her but is more than willing to dish out justice for those she loves, a morally grey, brooding, MMC who is very protective of those he deems worthy, and insta attraction but slow burn romance, amazing world building, a topsy turvey plot, filled to the brim with tension and banter, plenty of spice, and an ending that will leave you wanting more than be sure to grab a copy of Lifebound today!
Nilah Dune is a precocious eight-year-old girl bitten by a venomous snake and dying when a boy not much older than herself finds her and offers to heal her. Ten years later Nilah is shocked to find a group of strangely dressed men at her home, and even more surprised when she finds out the one of the fae men is the uncle to the boy, a fae prince, who healed her all those years ago. When she is asked to travel with them to the fae realm to save the prince who is dying, she finds out that when the young prince healed her, he apparently bound their lives together and for that reason she is the only one who can save him. Nilah eventually agrees to travel with them to the fae realm but will quickly discover that it is a very dark and dangerous place. Within hours of entering the fae realm the group is attacked by the strangest creatures Nilah has ever seen. She will be saved by a different fae who calls himself Rune, and he says that he can get her to the prince. He’s dark and dangerous but Nilah will discover that he also has a softer side, and he does manage to do what he promised. Unfortunately for Nilah, it turns out that just saving the life of a stranger can be just as dangerous, possibly more deadly than the snake bite that nearly killed her as a child. I loved this book, and I am already looking forward to the next book in this series! If you like a read with lots of exciting action, magic, fae, and many other supernatural creatures you will love this book. There are some very steamy interactions between Nilah and Rune as well as many unexpected twists and turns in the story that make it impossible to put this book down. These are fabulous characters, some more likeable than others, but they all have interesting and engaging personalities. I love this author, and I highly recommend this book to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC of this book.
I really liked this book. Nilah is an 18 year old outcast. She was saved by a fae when she was 5. When she told everyone, nobody believed her. Later, when her mother died, she accidentally made everything in her room float. Again, she told everyone. But, when she couldn't make it happen again, they called her a liar.
Nilah was bullied by children and adults alike. She has made the decision that she was going to move to New York City and leave her life behind. She felt this would be best for her father and sister, who were both affected by the fallout of Nilah's outcast status.
The night she was to leave for New York City, a bunch of fae show up at her house. They inform her that the boy that had saved her all those years ago was a prince. The prince had fallen into a deep sleep and no amount of magic or healers could wake him. The only person that could was Nilah. When the prince healed her, he bound her to him. Nilah was the prince's Lifebound. Only a Lifebound could heal the prince. Nilah made the decision to go with the Fae to their realm to heal the prince.
On the way to the Seelie court the travelers are attacked by huge fanged monkey type animals. Nilah's horse gets cut by one of the animals and starts to run and buck. Out of the shadows comes Rune. Rune saves Nilah and gets her to safety.
Rune throws the fae off of their trail by making them think Nilah was killed by one of the animals. So Nilah is stuck with Rune to take her to the Seelie court.
This is a grumpy/grumpy trope. Nilah is a dysfunctional, angry person. Rune is just generally grumpy and a control freak. Their journey to reach the Seelie court is full of surprises and danger.
Sometimes I had to remember that Nilah is 18 years old. Some of her choices were definitely immature. But, it worked well in the story.
This book ends on a doozy of a cliffhanger. I can't wait for book 2.
I’m trying so hard to like this. I really am. I’m having an absolutely awful book day (I think this is DNF #6), so I’m desperate for something to be halfway entertaining. This book is not that thing.
I once again find myself wondering why authors refuse to prioritize competency and respectability when creating their FMCs. It’s such a common problem in this genre and I just don’t understand it. This is your main character. Why are you using them as a springboard for lazy plot devices?
This FMC, despite having met a fae child when she was young, despite sporadically using magic herself over the years, despite claiming to be a fan of the fantasy genre, acts like everything is just too much to handle all the time. As if nothing is believable. She’s incapable of just calming the fuck down. She literally faints in the arms of the MMC 3 minutes after meeting him. Note to all authors: if the MMC has to save the FMC during their first interaction, you have failed. I’m no longer interested because that sets a tone that I won’t waste my time with.
In addition to having no chill, this girl is stubborn and refuses to be told what to do. Why? Why do you want me to hate her?
Maybe most obnoxiously (which is saying something at this point), she will not stop swooning over how hot this guy is and I am sick to death of it. Either have a panic attack, be a bitch, or be a mindless devotee. Pick one. It’s difficult to be two at the same time and it’s intolerable to be all three. I just don’t care how gorgeous she thinks he is. I’m bored. Is anyone entertained by this constant repetition? Is the author just trying to hit a word count?
The plot has a lot of potential, but I’m not willing to tolerate this character. After reading the rest of the reviews, she apparently doesn’t get her shit together any time soon. What a waste.
Lifebound is the newest book from author D. N. Hoxa and with this first in the series a world of magic, and intrigue introduces readers to it’s lead protagonist Nilah Dune who from the age of five has been bullied, labeled, and teased after recounting a miraculous life saving event that happened to her in the forest surrounding her home, who no one believed except her now deceased mother. Nilah had hoped turning eighteen would have been a milestone in her life but nothing changed as she, her father, and sister were still treated with disdain by their community. In the Fae realm of Verenthia a Prince lays dying and his mother the Queen of the Seelie court is desperate for a cure. When a seer tells her the prince has formed a life bond with a mortal and that bond is what will save him, the Queen’s brother Helid sets out to find and bring her back to Seelie. I enjoyed this first book that sets the stage for the danger, treachery, action, adventure, and passion that follows when Nilah is found and agrees to help Prince Lyall. She also meets Rune an enigma who saves her after their group is attacked when entering the Fae realm, and he promises to take her a safer way to the Seelie court, and neither can fight against the attraction that develops along the way. Good writing, and a cadre of intriguing characters form a story that was very entertaining with many secrets remaining to be revealed after a surprise of a cliffhanger ending!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received this book as an ARC. This was the first book I had read by this author and I enjoyed it and would like to read more, especially the next installment. The story follows the fmc Nilah(love that name) who had a very extraordinary thing happen to her at a young age. This event shapes how her childhood and teenage years progress. Now without giving anything away, I do think the issue that causes all of her childhood and teenage year problems is really not that big of deal if you take into consideration the age of Nilah and the maturity level of her and what is expected of someone at that young of an age. So while I do think it would have definitely caused issues, it wasn't really that big of deal overall. I had pet dragon until I was 10 and it fine. But it is a fantasy book, so I went with it. I enjoy the magical elements and characters that we meet and I am interested in learning about and seeing more of them. I invested in Rune's backstory and considering how this books ends, there is definitely some backstabbing going on! Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was an easy read that didn't require deep thought. I don't mean that in a mean or bad way, I just mean the story flowed nicely without making me pause and re-read chapters or figure out what was going on. There are some spelling/grammar issues but since this is an ARC that is to be expected. I recommend this for anyone who enjoys romantasy and look forward to the sequel!
rcvd an advanced reader copy from the author for giving my review voluntarily. we meet teenager Nilah who was saved by a boy at 6 years old. since then her life has been pretty much hell. She told people about it as a child and everyone thinks she's crazy. but when they go after her younger sister, that's when she acts out even more without thinking about the consequences. We then meet the Seelie Queen and her son who lives but in a coma-sort of state. The Queens seer finally after so much time reveals who put her son in this state...and its shocking plus they find out he is lifebound to a mortal. the Queens brother sets out to find this mortal. things are weird for Nilah. she sees men with pointy ears at her house...she must be dreaming but then her dad and sister see them too. they explain the situation and she decides to go help...give her family a break from her Neverending torment. but the fact is that Nilah was never crazy and was telling the truth. when she lands in the world of Fae, she is overcome with so many questions and fear of the unknown. but when she is separated from the group, a tall dark moody man saves her...why do the bad boys have to be good-looking. nilah has no choice but to trust this Rune even if it means walking into death itself. this world is so difficult and terrifying that she speaks before she thinks as usual causing problems. Drama, past secrets, deadly foes, and crazy adventure makes this a good read. next book please!!
Nilah was healed by a fae prince when she was a child which unknowingly created a bond between the two of them. When she tells the town what happened no one believes her which leads to her being bullied through the remainder of her childhood. Sadly the treatment passes on to her father and sister also being mistreated by the town. On the flip side of the world, the prince has become ill and only Nilah can save him as their bond is all that can bring him back. Fae representatives come to Nilah’s town to bring her to him. And that’s where the fun begins! Of course after she crosses over the group is attacked and she is saved by Rune, a broody fae who decides to help by bringing Nilah to the prince as he feels he is in debt to the prince for saving his own life when he was a child. It’s a crazy adventure to get them back to the Seelie Court where she can save the prince and then get herself back to the mortal world.
The characters were well done, and the crazy encounters along the way were so wild I was vividly imagining it as I read. I loved the growth of Nilah from snappy teen to opening herself to try to trust along the way. I’ll admit at the beginning I wanted to smack her for being a bit of an idiot but she grew on me by the middle of the story. I’m super excited to see where this story goes with that cliffhanger!
My first intro to this author was the Elysean Trials trilogy and just fell in love with the writing style, the plot and the main couple. I waited until this Lifebound trilogy was finished so I could binge the whole thing and with this book 1, it’s definitely worth the wait.
I wasn’t too sure about Nilah at first. For about 70% of the book, she was angry, vindictive, defensive and petty. She isn’t likable at all. And frankly I almost DNF when she was still being her immature snarky self more than halfway into the book. Her character progression was a long time coming.
She has endured bullying and name calling all her life so she’s always guarded. Rune has his secrets but genuinely puts himself out there to help Nilah get to the fae prince. He’s a bit hard to read. At times he’s quite stoic and just as guarded as Nilah. But they both gradually warm to each other.
This is slow burn. They have to go thru some difficult situations first. Learn to trust and communicate, things that they’re both not very good at doing. Their spicy scenes have a large element of romance in it. You feel this couple falling in love.
I loved the world building and getting to know the different creatures in this new realm. The first book is all about that so it might feel tedious at times but definitely worth it if you want to immerse yourself in this story. Of course, it ends in a cliffhanger. Can’t wait for the next one.
At 56% I was contemplating throwing in the towel because Nilah's actions exasperating. She's TSTL countless times by this point and I regretfully have to say continues on in this manner until the end.
Nolan in a nutshell: She's in a different realm, with different kinds magic with infinite possibilities, that she doesn't have because she's human (that we know of, it's questionable for sure) and mortal. Has zero awareness or knowledge of the cultures, customs, hierarchies, or laws—but sure, keep running your mouth and try intervene in situations you have no hope of solving or making better because your HUMAN WITH NO MAGIC OR FIGHTING ABILITIES. NONE. Yet, Nilah keeps marching to her own drum because she doesn't like to be told what to do. That's right. Then we get to hear her moan about it's all her fault bad things happen. Ya know, because it is. It's like she completely disregards that she's there to save someone and people are out to kill her to stop her from doing so and shines a spotlight on herself to make her the easiest to find target in any realm. GD idiot.
I am pretty sure I'll start the 2ns book but is she keeps being so GD idiotic I'll have no problem tossing this in my DNR bucket. I find no entertainment in FMCs that are TSTL. None. I almost root for their death.