This was marketed to me as "a cure for your Fourth Wing hangover" and man did this soothe that burn. I am frankly obsessed with this in every possible way.
Synopsis: Grieving the loss of her brother sent to the front lines of a magical war between scorned gods, Iris writes letters that slip under her wardrobe and disappear. This magical connection doesn't end with the letter in her brother's hands, but instead into Roman Kitts–her beautiful rival journalist–who anonymously writes back. These two form a connection that will bring Iris from her spot at the Oath Gazette, supporting her family, and dealing with her addicted mother, to the front lines in search of her brother and witnessing the fate of mankind.
Plot: The plot was honestly quite simple, and that wasn't a bad thing! It didn't try to do too many things at once and it felt very secure in what it was trying to accomplish. I wasn't at all expecting the elements of gods and goddesses, but it felt very seamless in the arch of the narrative. Not only did this have a fantastic plot mixed with elements of mythology, war, grief, family, loss, addiction, and found family, but Ross also completely and utterly nailed the writing. She is a lyrical genius and I was melting into her gorgeous dialogue and taken completely into the story. I was right along with Iris every step of the way.
Characters: My god these characters. Perfect, perfect, perfect. This romance is one of the best I've read in years. Usually, there are at least some cringy elements in reading any romance, but this had ZERO. Ross did everything flawlessly when it came to Roman and Iris and I fell in love alongside them. Roman is everything I want a hero to be with his pursuit and understanding, and Iris was wonderful with just the right amount of sass and kindness. This could have honestly just been about the two of them and it would have still been fantastic, but Ross managed to not only create one strong romantic relationship but two, along with an emphasis on family and friendship as well. No notes.
I laughed, I cried, I screamed. That cliffhanger was rude, and if I had to wait any longer than 4 months I would have been pissed.
The second one is already pre-ordered. December 26th I'm ready for you.
5/5 stars.
TW: Death of a parent, alcoholism, grief, panic attacks, PTSD, death of a child.
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