4 stars, 2 on the spice scale.
I’m determined to make my way through Emilia Finn’s backlist because I adore her writing style and the way she builds her worlds. Her characters always feel so real — like people you could bump into in everyday life and instantly befriend. That said, this installment didn’t land as well for me compared to others in the series.
I was really excited for Jay’s story, especially since he’s Kane’s brother (who I love, love, love) and his fate has been hanging over the series since book one. But while the setup promised intensity and intrigue, the execution left me a little disappointed. Jay has that wild, over-the-top energy that makes him memorable, but he just didn't measure up to Kane, and at times it felt like a weaker echo of what I loved in earlier books.
The plot itself is packed with action, secrets, and big reveals, and there’s no denying Emilia Finn knows how to keep the tension high. But despite the twists, I found myself reading in smaller bursts rather than being completely hooked. By the end, while the story ties threads together and delivers closure, I was left wishing for a bit more depth and impact.
Overall, this is a solid read, but not my favorite in the series.