Narrated by Aysha Kala
I would not recommend listening to this book in a public space. It has some explicit content that I forwarded in parts even when I was at home. I had to begin with this disclaimer because it is probably one of the more elaborate books I have listened to. While reading, I can skim a little better. That is not to say it does not fit with the rest of the story since it is Maud Blythe’s awakening to aspects of herself. Going back to the story itself, it is the second in a series, something I did not have a problem with. The book’s magic and the laws that govern it are quite elaborately discussed, ensuring that the reader is up to date with all the occurrences in the magical world and the hurdles Maud’s brother has had to overcome before sending her on this perilous journey. Maud is on a ship and is to somehow ensure the safe passage of an old lady and the secret she is carrying back to her brother. The old lady dies almost immediately, and there are several secrets that start to appear once Maud digs her heels in. She is a highly entertaining main character, and although Violet brings a change in her life, Maud, by herself, is quite stubborn and industrious. The combination of factors, along with some semi-disinterested parties who are roped into helping save magic, made it an adventurous outing. The romance is a central and crucial piece of the whole puzzle, and it cements the rest of the plot together. All of the events happen on a ship, and the author does a good job of keeping it feeling slightly different each time. Although, given the length of the journey, it felt a little long. The narrator did a great job in bringing the events to life. I was invested enough in the last contract by the time the end, and I would actually want to know what transpires next. I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own listening experience.
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