I really liked this. It wasn’t perfect, but it was very effective. First thing, it was really hard to put down. Def a good slump buster if you’re a fantasy fan. I found the characters interesting if a little under-developed. I don’t always think it’s a book sin to under-develop characters. You did eventually get more backstory and understanding and the sacrifice helped the pacing in my opinion.
My main complaints: when I heard this premise I really thought it would be more about actual persuasion and less Professor X telepathy control. Like the scene where she’s trying to get the guy to give her his car keys, what would she say if she actually had to convince him? Play off his pity, bribe him, convince him it’s for his benefit. Like I think more of that and less “hold my fingers to my temple and look strained” stuff would have read better and been more interesting. It didn’t even always make sense. One chapter after Ian almost forced Lennon to jump from a building, which she was unable to repel at all, Dante is saying Ian was nothing as far as persuasion went. Like I get Lennon had said he lacked nuance but still. I dont have as much respect for fantasy/magic systems that are in essence just “I waved my hand and stuff happened”. If you’re going to build a cool magic world, explain it! Give it rules and nuance!
Other than that I liked it. I know some people said they didn’t like the side characters and couldn’t keep them all straight. Skill issue: I had no problems. The paranormal elements were excellent imo, just the right amount of spooky. I did find the whole August thing to be a little ham-handed if I’m being honest, but by that point I didn’t really care anyway.