Update: I had the opportunity to reread this book as a beta reader before the author released an update. And I have to say the things that I noted below around the pacing and the world building were really polished and refined to a new level. There is some new material to sink your teeth into  as well. I really appreciate the opportunity to have beta read this and I’m even more zealous about recommending it to folks looking for a gritty, urban fantasy with diverse characters and a why choose situation. Updated to. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and remains 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Dear Etis and Sortis! This was a spicy one with lots of action and twists. I took a bit to feel invested in the plot. And I would say I was more invested in the characters and their relationships than in the plot until the third part. The way magic works in this world is pretty cool and I found myself wanting to know more about where Wielders come from.

Right away, I thought Xavia had to be the Chaos Wielder but as the plot developed the author threw enough red herrings in that I changed my mind. The way it all came together surprised me. Did not see that coming. She got me good! I cried when Aurelio died and really thought that was it given how the book seemed to move on. I am glad he is brought back and that final moment in the book…damn!

Definitely check the content warnings as there is lots here that some readers may want to avoid. 

Xavia is a curvy, bi, woman of color who can kick ass and take names. In her development of relationships we see her blossom as a character and it is fulfilling to see her get what she needs. Aurelio is sympathetic but also swoon worthy in his support of her…he had me just 🥰. “I’m not going anywhere. No matter where you go. No matter how dirty life gets. You will never be alone again. You’re worth breathing for. You’re worth loving and living for.” *sigh* Add Quade to the mix 🥵 I loved the way his darkness matches hers…  And that she gets something she needs from both of them.

And then when the boys realize they are attracted to each other too… *fans self* I need a moment…

The banter is pretty fun and love how Xavia leans into being the brat. 

Styx and Jacinto as the other two POVs are not quite as developed though they have big roles to play. I was definitely intrigued by their connection and was surprised and interested by how it played out. 

I do wish we had gotten more of Lex, Lilith, and the other Alpha Team members. Though with so many main characters, I am not sure there was room to develop them beyond what they were. 

I already referenced the spice but let me be explicit: it is a slow build but once it happens - woo! 🎆🎇 Learned a thing or two about myself. But again, check the content warnings because it is probably not for everyone. For me, I still haven’t quite processed what I think of the bloodplay….

There is lots of diverse representation in this book. The MCs and supporting characters are all people of the global majority. Spicy pairings are also pretty diverse (side note: Xavia’s swagger when she is pursuing another woman is so charming!). There is also representation of folks struggling with mental health. And one of the side characters is non-binary. 

The author did something pretty cool, that I have not yet seen elsewhere. She made a playlist for the book, but instead of just publishing the playlist, she included footnotes throughout the book on which songs go where. I thought that was a really novel touch and I discovered some new artists along the way.

If you like immersing yourself in new worlds and lots of spice, including BDSM, then I recommend this read. But you may need to be patient with it. 

In part one, I wasn’t  sure I would finish the book. I found the number of POVs and the world-building a little overwhelming. It is a lot of characters to meet at once. And I found myself bogged down in the very detailed descriptions of settings, etc. I can understand why an author creates that level of detail for themselves but it seems to be a tricky balance to figure out how much description is needed for the reader to get a sense of the tone or the mood of a place. Maybe not all the details are needed? If there are future editions of the book, it could do with one more really careful round of editing to work on the level of detailed descriptions and for repetitive language.

But I still liked it a lot and recommend it! The chemistry between Xavia and Aurelio kept me going in part one. The novel hits its stride in part two. And part three had me on the edge of my seat! Overall it made me, smile, laugh, cry, and got my pulse racing. I will read the next one for sure. 

🌟🌟🌟🌟1/4
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