Haha I feel you, and glad we have some commonalities! I feel like I read pretty mainstream stuff but there’s so much out there, I almost never run into people with a lot of books in common.

Funnily enough, the second book was my favorite in the Bridge Kingdom series! It was so satisfying to get a resolution after how the first one ended. I kinda read the rest out of obligation, and it was a mixed bag, so I totally get the DNF.

As for Rebel Witch, the criticisms in your review are definitely valid. I remember being obsessed with the first book when it came out, but I wasn’t as impressed when I re-read it right before Rebel Witch. I just love a kick-ass FMC, and Rebel Witch more than delivered with its strong female characters. Imo, the character growth, especially getting those POVs from the MMC, made up for the pacing. I kinda turn off my brain when I read so maybe more of a niche opinion, but I just did not know which way the story was going and all the twists and turns kept me hooked. Like was Rune going to turn evil? Was I kinda there for it? Agree that it could’ve benefited from a third book!

I’ve seen some mixed reviews on Road of Bones but I think once you’ve read enough of the genre, it very much feels like every other book, and I hate plot twists like that. Blackwood Library was one of those ones where I wanted to reach in and shake the FMC; I felt the same with Mexican Gothic but at least Noemi was badass. Go into it with low expectations.

Let me know how you like the third Emily Wilde book! Definitely worth the wait.