This was a strong start to the Tales of Ciel series, it had that element that I was wanting from the description. Z. Bennett Lorimer does a fantastic job in writing fantasy book, I really enjoyed the way the characters and world were presented and developed. It was everything that I wanted in a opening chapter and was glad it was everything that I was looking for and am excited for more in this world.

Super interesting and unique idea. Such a great whimsical read that was a lovely switch up from what I normally read. It's always great to see new ideas come to life. It's the true joy of reading. Thank you for this experience!

Thank you to NetGalley and High Trestle Press | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) for the opportunity to read this advanced ARC.

I had a bit of a love–hate relationship with this book. Between the two sisters, one is bound to come across as more likable, while the other risks being seen as the “villain.” Vanna, despite being Gifted, should have shown more sympathy toward her sister. Family bonds should matter, especially when she received something Effie didn’t.

As for Effie, I really need her to get a clue. I understand her frustration at not manifesting a Gift (yet, possibly), but it doesn’t excuse taking it out on everyone else. If anything, her lack of a Gift could humble her; she often looks down on the non-Gifted, and I hope book two pushes her to grow softer, more self-aware, or else delivers a bigger reality check.

That said, Vanna’s chapters were packed with more action, and I think her character still has plenty of untapped potential. I’d love to see her developed further in the sequel.

✨ Plot – 4/5
The storyline was engaging, especially the contrast between the sisters—one Gifted, one not—and the struggles that divide them. And honestly, who doesn’t love the idea of flying Leviathans?

✨ Characters – 3.5/5
Effie came across as bratty and in need of growth. Vanna, meanwhile, felt underdeveloped for a POV character and could have carried more weight. The dynamic is strong, but I wanted more from both.

✨ Worldbuilding – 3.5/5
The concept was fantastic, but the pacing was so quick that I didn’t get to fully immerse myself in Ciel. I understood the premise, but I wanted to live in that world. Hopefully book two will dig deeper into the lore.

✨ Love Triangle – 2/5
There’s potential for drama between Effie, Vanna, and Kai, but it wasn’t fully fleshed out here. Kai feels grounded and deserves a partner who matches him in personality, not just status or power. I’ll be watching in book two to see if that develops further.

⭐ Overall – 3.5/5
Book one wasn’t quite long enough. I wish more space had been given to character growth, developing the love triangle, and balancing both sisters’ journeys. Still, the premise is fresh, the Leviathans are irresistible, and I’m definitely interested in where the story will go in book two.


PS I love the opening to book Ophiuchus Flinched. with updates to the next release dates book 2 and book 3.