Welp, y’all, I really loved this book. And as I expected, Asar tried to sacrifice himself for Mische before she sacrificed herself for him. Something I’ve seen happen in Broadbent’s books often enough to know it was coming without knowing exactly what it would be.

Because knowing it’s coming doesn’t undo the impact of watching it happen. Man, how they loved and tried to save each other was so, so sweet.

And I truly loved how Mische was able to save Ophelia. That she did if for more than Asar. She did it for Ophelia. For herself. It was a great full circle moment, one that helped her understand Asar even better.

Their connections! I knew it; they mirror each other in such perfect ways. Their sacrifices and scars very different but deeply the same. I really connected with these two.

I’ve heard some criticism about the pacing and repetition of this book, but the whole thing worked for me on the whole. The repetition showcased Mische’s growth, how she fought with her old self to advance and grow into her new self.

The journey also let them build upon their relationship, their secrets, the slow unraveling of them both.

Man, I just—I loved it.

And the end! Okay, spoilers, obviously, but the end, where she kills her Sun God to save Asar. How Asar has a seedling of the dead god inside of him. How he’s come back with the power. How’s he’s sworn to find her again. Avenge her. Just. Yes.

I cannot wait for book two. I might have to go back and read book two of the original duet in this series first, but I am foaming at the mouth to get to see these two reunited and the way they’re going to burn the world down for each other.

How about you? What were your thoughts about THE SONGBIRD AND THE HEART OF STONE? Did you love it like me? Think it was a bit slow? Fall into the sucking cold depths of despair that was that cliffhanger? Let me know in the comments below!

Next week, we’ll be starting our January Monthly Bite Me Box pick: DARK HOPE by Christine Feehan. We’ll be reading part one (Up through page 94). See you then!