4.5!!!! 
 Ok don't get me wrong, this rating may come off as too low once you start my review but just like... wait lol. 
 This book is highly addictive and a really quick read because of that. If you like fantasy novels that are more political and strategy level, you'll like this. There is a level of magic and mystical but it is small. It's a fairly dark story overall too. Manipulation, abuse, torture, violence, rape, all are in this book and therefor could easily make someone uncomfortable and not want to read it - which is well within their rights! The moments of torture and rape though not as descriptive as other YA books, can still be enough for discomfort. A big reason I loved this book was how it dealt with being a victim. Like y'all, the similarities if victim blaming and shaming in our world to what happened here?? Girl was making a mad point. But the point wasn't SHE IS A VICTIM the point was SHE IS A SURVIVOR. And to me, that is what is most important. Now onto some fluffier stuff. I have a new ship and I haven't had one in aaaaages. Let me tell you!!!! Mm. Yes. Hunnyyy the man in this book made me very happy HOWEVER I must say the power imbalance is a major red flag and that cannot be overlooked in this case. (view spoiler)[ For those who have read he book you may be saying 'but she wasn't really poisoned!!! Well she kind of was?? And also if that is the dynamic and belief that the relationship is set on and lives on, that ain't good booboo. Just acknowledge that it is problematic and move on. (hide spoiler)] I do also really adore quite a few side characters and love them to bits. 
 Here's where stuff gets a bit... weird. I don't think I want to continue on. Hear me out! I really loved the story and I am interested in what happens next, but I also don't really care? I am very happy with the ending tbh. I do want more with my man so I might continue for that... but another part of me wants to make sure I get that (and not a stupid love triangle) before I continue on.