How to even start...
I read this as an ARC reader, and I finished the book a few days ago, but I've needed time to put my thoughts together. This book touched parts of my soul and mind that I didn't realize needed to be exposed and touched. It helped me think in ways of things that I haven't let myself think about in a long time. Opal mentions in her author's note that this may be her favorite book of the series... I'm here to say that it's 100% my favorite.
Nathair has a high-level of humanity that surpasses the others, I believe, but that also made him much more compelling as he dueled that humanity with his Duskwalker nature. His humanity has also made it so much harder for him to even live, though. Nathair struggles mentally in a way that makes you worry for not just his Bride, but for him. The chapters from his point-of-view definitely make it feel like you're closer to him and able to sympathize more with him. Or at least I did. You get the front row seat into what his mind is like during these struggles, and the way it's explained makes it almost like you're right there with him, experiencing it at the same time. It's amazing the way Opal was able to make this come across the way she did.
Linh. Strong, determined, smiling but utterly wrecked, and in pieces on the inside. Linh is the literary rendition of how I am when I'm struggling with my own mental issues, and I am absolutely in love with her. Linh is the face of so, so many women who have faced the same trauma that she did. She is a representation of the strength and determination it takes to face the trauma in a way that doesn't hurt the healing process. It looks different for everyone, the way to getting past the trauma enough to still be able to live. Her quiet strength and resilience, and the fact that she smiles for herself, was almost heartbreaking because of the view the reader gets into her thoughts and emotions.
These two together may not seem to be able to work, but they both have a strength that ensures they are able to help each other when they stumble and use the strength of each other to continue on. The bond they form as they both work through their individual traumas is strong, even before Linh becomes Nathair's bride. I love the way they tease one another, the way they're able to use humor to help hold each other up.
This book is amazing. And I can't wait to get it in a physical format, because it will definitely be re-read more than once. If you don't read any of the other Duskwalker books, you should at least read this one. There will be names mentioned that you won't know, but this book could stand alone in the series. It doesn't continue much of the background story line that included the demon king and that, but honestly, I expected that because of how Nathair came to be back in the living world.
All in all, this was an amazing book and I had a hard time putting it down in order to be an adult. The background story of the Duskwalkers with the demon king isn't mentioned or continued in this book, but honestly, I don't think that's an awful thing. Getting to read about Nathair and Linh breaking through their barriers is a beam of hope for some of us who struggle mentally too.
Also, spice content is 👌🤤
Another absolutely fantastic read from Reyne! I can't wait for the next one!
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