This book could've been so much better, but I did enjoy it even though I didn't expect to at the beginning. Yet again I found myself rolling my eyes at the way a story started; the writing, the narration, and the dialogue annoyed me, but soon enough I did get immersed in the story – although perhaps it wasn't a good thing that Cyrus was the main reason for that.

I didn't like the “prequel” to how they became Incarnates, but at least it gave a bit of backstory even if it felt unnecessary (and I didn't like how the “love” began). The concept of immortality was great to ponder, and the scenes that followed immediately after were fun and exciting.

Cyrus was perhaps the only character I enjoyed seeing “on screen”, as he seemed well fleshed out and was thrilling to follow. His manipulative and controlling nature was exciting to hear about – I did wish for Seraphina to be caught just to see what scenes would follow – although how Cyrus turned out the way he did was confusing (if even properly addressed). I also didn't get why he turned on his loved-him-like-a-brother best friend, because “you betrayed me” felt too flat. Other than that, he is definitely my favourite character.

The thrill of Sera's escape – and, for me, her potential capture – was what drew me into the story, although I went back to being impatient soon enough when she became Kailey and I got bored with a teenager's life and her poor attempt at escape. That was remedied when Cyrus came back into the story, and I brimmed again with anticipation of Sera getting caught. The story could've gone on longer, and perhaps even finished in one book, but the promise of Cyrus' wrath is enough to tide me over until the next book comes out (unfortunately, that's really the only thing that's pushing me to read the sequel as I don't care much for Sera).

I think I would've preferred it more if the story was about the Incarnates (with a completely different plot), as they are interesting characters, but I understand that that's not the story being told – although if it's a romance, that falls flat, too. It didn't feel like a love story with Noah, and I felt like Sera was too undecided in all her thoughts and actions that it became annoying to follow her journey.

I'm definitely expecting some excitement in the next sequel, and though this story was a bit lacklustre I did still enjoy it. It got me thinking about things, and it could even be inspiring in terms of giving me new ideas to consider. I hope I'm not disappointed in the sequel, but I'm glad to say that this didn't turn out as bad as I thought it'd be; it kept me reading until the end, and I didn't regret spending my time on it at all.