Just finished this and wow, what a journey! This is a solid 4/5 stars for me. I was completely drawn into the world of Oria and found it to be a really enjoyable and immersive read, even though I have one small critique that holds it back from being a perfect five stars.

First, the positives: the world-building is where this book truly shines. The author has crafted a deep and fascinating world with its own history, magic system, and lore. The concepts of the Sentinels, the Sacred Beasts, and the different types of mages were incredibly well thought out. It feels like a classic, epic fantasy world that I could get lost in for hours. I also loved the political intrigue. It’s not a simple "good vs. evil" story; the lines are blurred, and you're constantly kept on your toes, questioning the true motives of even the supposed heroes. The mystery surrounding Princess Calista, in particular, was a masterclass in suspense.

The story is packed with moments that will stick with me. The beautiful but jarring way the main characters are first introduced to this new world immediately sets a tone of wonder and danger. The arrival at a certain hidden fortress felt like a true turning point, where the scope of the adventure and the stakes are finally laid bare. Of course, I have to mention the massive confrontation near the end where loyalties are tested and a shocking truth is revealed; the fallout from that scene is intense and changes everything. It all leads up to the final scene, which gives the reader a terrifying glimpse of the future and left me with genuine chills, desperate for the next installment.

My only reason for not giving this a full 5 stars is the pacing. The author takes their time to build the world and introduce the characters and their conflicts. While I ultimately appreciated the rich detail, I have to admit there were parts, especially in the first half of the book, where I felt the story dragged a little. It's a very slow burn to get to the main, explosive conflicts. I found myself sometimes wishing things would move just a bit faster to get to the action.

But please, don't let that deter you! The payoff for that slow build-up is absolutely worth it. Once the plot kicks into high gear, it is non-stop and incredibly rewarding. If you're a patient reader who loves classic epic fantasy with intricate world-building and morally grey characters, you will find so much to love here. I am already eagerly awaiting the sequel!