This book starts out with a hook of an intro, digging in deep with a mystery. In only the first couple of pages the reader is captivated, begging to know what happened. Sionan, our MC, awakes confused and disoriented. She only remembers what the summary gave away, that she took a job at the castle despite knowing the rumors of sinister events happening inside. As the reader, I felt the author was very articulate with their thoughts. Each sentence was well written, comunicating Sionan's emotions, thoughts, and actions clearly. She immediately gets a sense of unease, knowing she needs to leave. She discovers a horrific sight and runs to escape. In an alternate POV we learn her friend, who wants to be more than friends, is seeking aid for Sionan. Kayton knows people go missing upon entrance to the castle. If one happens to make it back they are not the same, sickly with a "wasting disease". He hunts down Chancer Landry, a former Captain turned drunkard, to aid him in his rescue. Chancer also includes a trusted fellow warrior to help in their mission. We quickly learn the Duke is, in fact, performing secret experiments on his own people. He is so deeply deluded in his actions that he's fallen into megalomania. Multiple shocking events take place upon Kayton returning to save Sionan. The story has moved from enticing curiosity to invoking a sense of dread. The reader is left heart broken and worried with major concern for our band of heros. The ending came fast and I felt that I wasn't ready for it to be over but as we all know, all good things must come to an end. All is well, or as well as it can be after what transpired, for our protagonists... or it is?

In all, The Transference was a great read. It was direct and to the point with no useless narrative. Every sentence was written with intention and was highly detailed. I enjoyed my time spent with this book and will most definitely be looking forward to book two.