I received a complimentary audiobook of this title courtesy of the publisher. All thoughts are my own.

This book completely won me over. From the first chapter, I was hooked, and it never let up. This is one of those books that feels inventive and ambitious while still being deeply readable. It blends fantasy, romance, time travel, and Black history in a way that feels purposeful rather than overloaded, and I couldn’t get enough of it.

At the heart of the story are two families, the Baldwins and the Davenports, who have been sworn enemies for centuries. Their feud traces back to Venus Davenport and Titus Baldwin, two enslaved children who fell in love and attempted to escape. When they were caught, they made a desperate bargain with their mistress, Sabine, a powerful witch. In exchange for magic and the ability to exist outside of time, their families were cursed. Once a generation, each family must offer up a competitor to fight in a magical duel to the death, feeding Sabine’s immortality.

That setup alone is compelling, but what makes the book shine is how fully realized everything feels. The magic system is especially intriguing. Emma Baldwin is a wish spinner. Malcolm Davenport creates illusions. Their powers are distinct, well-defined, and woven naturally into the story rather than explained through clunky exposition. The rules feel clear, the stakes feel high, and the magic always serves the characters and the plot.

Emma and Malcolm are fantastic leads. They’re smart, brave, conflicted, and deeply human. Watching them navigate their cursed connection while slowly falling for each other is both romantic and nerve-wracking. The book does a great job balancing tenderness with tension. Their relationship never feels rushed or shallow, and the emotional beats land because the groundwork is so solid.

The pacing is excellent. The writing is tight, confident, and purposeful. There’s always something happening, whether it’s a revelation, a confrontation, or a quiet moment that deepens our understanding of the characters. I was never bored, and I never felt like the book was spinning its wheels. Every chapter pushed the story forward.

I listened to this on audiobook, and it deserves special praise. The narration by Khaya Fraites, Eric Lockley, and Alaska Jackson is absolutely perfect. Each narrator brings distinct voices and emotional nuance to the characters, making the story feel vivid and immersive. If you’re an audiobook listener, this is a standout production and a fantastic way to experience the book.

And for anyone who tends to shy away from YA, don’t let that label stop you. This story doesn’t feel small or simplistic. It’s high-stakes, emotionally rich, and deeply engaging. The themes, worldbuilding, and character work make it feel accessible to a wide range of readers.

In the end, this book had everything I love. Time travel. Magic. High stakes. Unforgettable characters. A romance worth rooting for. It’s an incredibly strong debut, and I am very much looking forward to the next installment.