4.5/5

Okay so this book was very different and unexpected.

The first half began very similarly to the previous books. Rowan had come to a town to attempt to look for clues and was met with a cast of many townsfolk all common but interesting in their own way. She attempts to socialize with them and deal with their politics before she realizes that something is afoot.

This is where things start to get interesting when Janus is introduced and starts a chain of very strange events.

The second half of the book takes a wild turn where Rowan now comes into contact with a truly alien civilization. Far different from humanity and the expected behaviors of humans. It was so fascinating and strange and also so very believable at the same time. I just couldn’t put the book down!

The end was so very mind blowing as you understand that things are very much not what they seem. And there is something much greater happening in the world than the cozy Inner Lands story led me to believe at the start of the series. I am very interested and excited to continue the series as there are so many interesting ways the story can unfold.

Overall, definitely my favorite book in the series so far!