the story feels hollow, like it's missing a component that really makes it interesting. I stuck with it just because i didn't wanna drop something I'd read for so long but there feels like there's been no real progress.
her emotional growth has been near 0, the conflict with the supposed original fl is just blah, I'm not even sure of what her true goal is anymore either (what's really anchoring her rn???).
I'm not sure if it's just a me thing but it feels like there's this illusion of depth for these characters but 2 steps down and you can almost understand everything about them LOL.
idk if any conclusion is gonna be satisfying for me atp :/
I will tell you what the missing component is, it's the sister relationship. The story is wishy-washy about whether the conflict is feelings-based or danger-based, which makes El sometimes act like a calm composed manipulator and sometimes makes her act like a bumbling fool. It makes Phil sometimes act like there's a conspiracy that's going to threaten the kingdom and sometimes like she's a bit upset that El doesn't like her. It makes the op overprotective wizards a comedic aspect half the time, while making them somewhat useless the rest of time.
Phil said that she's going to stay at the castle for a little bit, because she's suspicious of something or whatever, but she doesn't really take action. Things keep happening to her, but she doesn't really make anything happen.











was the car crash a cover up for him slashing his arm