While the story captivated my interest and held its own, I couldn't help but draw comparisons to the last book I read, which, in my opinion, surpassed this one. The narrative was engaging, but the previous book had a certain magic that elevated it to a higher level. Despite giving this story a respectable 4-star rating, the characters' designs seemed reminiscent of the earlier read, lacking the innovative touch that would have set them apart. It's not that the characters weren't well-crafted; they just felt a bit too familiar. In the end, the tale was enjoyable, but the shadow of the exceptional previous book loomed large, making it difficult to award a perfect rating. Nevertheless, it remains a commendable effort with room for improvement.