Artemysia by Tesia Ives

This is easily the prettiest book I’ve ever seen. She’s gorgeous. 
     
Okay, not me thoroughly obsessed with Throg after literally only seeing him twice. 
     
The Riev twist was a bit predictable given the Easter eggs that were being dropped about him up to that point. I’m not sure I love how the information came out, though. For all his twists, really. 
     
I’m like… 75% sure it’s not a series? I couldn’t find anything about a second book, so my following thoughts are under the assumption this is a standalone (some hold weight whether it is or isn’t): 
     
This concept would have been a spectacular series. I feel like a lot got cut down for the sake of making it one novel, and while it’s a longish novel, I really feel like the length doesn’t do the story justice. So much more could have been fleshed out from the world building to the lore to the characters and their dynamics if it were a series. Book one could have put a focus on Throg and Delphine and how they work together on missions (it’s a fantasy war barracks, there are endless possibilities here) while developing the world building. Book two could have introduced Riev and begun the build up of their relationship, having him be part of their team on missions and such, showing how they fell in love (it just feels a little rushed to me, less rushed than some because it’s not true insta-love but it’s still so rapid paced) while also developing the Syf lore. Then book three could have introduced Ivy and had the conclusion of the journey through Artemysia with the Syf encounter being what it is. (Potential book four for the North Kingdom conclusion.) I feel like if Riev and Throg had more time to spend together on missions, the betrayal of Riev’s secret would have been way more impactful. None of the characters really reacted appropriately, in my opinion. But that’s what it is, just my opinion. It’s still a compelling and interesting read. I just like the concept so much, I would love to see more of it.
     
The ending was soooo rushed and why? It feels like in a bid to wrap everything up in one book, so much of the final elements of the story were sacrificed. I’m not necessarily disappointed, but I’m pretty bummed. This had so much potential to be so much more.