All blog postsIf you’re after a cosy, magical read with light academia vibes, this one might just scratch that itch—but for me, it fell somewhere between good and great. 🌟 Set in a magical institution, the story follows Dae, a determined FMC breaking free from her family’s political expectations to forge her own path. Her journey brings her face-to-face with her former tutor, sparking a romance filled with banter and chemistry. While I enjoyed parts of this, there were a few bumps along the way that kept it from being a full hit for me.
Let’s start with the good: Dae is a strong, relatable protagonist, and her moments of rebellion—like blackmailing Brint, the absolute walking red flag of a partner—had me cheering for her. 🙌 And while the romance didn’t blow me away, the banter and natural inclusion of non-binary representation were definite highlights. Those little touches brought depth and charm to the story.
On the flip side, the worldbuilding was intense. Without a glossary or clearer explanations, I felt a bit lost in the opening chapters, as though the author expected me to already know the ropes. It was a slog at times, but once I got my bearings, I could appreciate the effort behind crafting such a rich setting. Unfortunately, there were moments—especially Ezryn’s actions after the masquerade ball—that left me feeling disconnected and dampened my enjoyment. (If you know, you know.)
Overall, I’d rate this a solid 3.75 stars, rounding up because the cosy vibes and unique elements carried it through. While it didn’t fully wow me, it had its moments—and if you’re into magical institutions, light academia, and a touch of romance, it’s worth checking out. Just be ready to work through the worldbuilding upfront! 🌟✨
❄️ Banter
❄️ Second chance romance
❄️ One night stand
❄️ Cosy light academia
❄️ Magic grade school
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. #elementalaffections #thenerdfam