1)The magic itself—Tessa Gratton’s magic was dirty, chaotic.  It demanded sacrifice and pain.  There was nothing “pretty” about it.  If the character(s) wanted to have something out-of-this-natural-world done, it wasn’t going to be accomplished with a magic wand and sparkles.  It was done with blood and herbs and, occasionally, death.  This created a stark line between the magical world and the mundane world.  Its darkness made the reader see that magic in this world as abnormal and scary and all-consuming if the characters let it be.   Super metaphorical.  I reveled in it.

2)Characterization—I loved the tragic backstories of these characters.  I loved the macho/nerdiness of Reese.  (I might be biased because I married someone macho/nerdy.)  I loved Silla’s strength and willingness to do whatever it took, no matter how it would affect her personally.  I loved Nick’s perseverance and care.  I loved the way Gratton handled Lilith.  The characters were people who the reader might have met already—with a Magical Crazy going after them.

3)The Story—The actual read was pleasant.  The story had a unique plot.  It never dragged or felt tiresome.  The conflict was dire, and the resolution was fitting and creative.  I enjoyed it.  I didn’t devour it, but I like that I wanted to take my time to understand and wade in the pretty language the author used. When I did put it down, though, it crept into my thoughts, and that constitutes a good book to me.

4)The Journal—The use of the journal entries as part of the story drew me in completely.  Should I have moral issues for saying I really enjoyed a villainous character?  Well, I did.  Enjoy the character, that is.  I’ll worry about what that says about me later.