Man, 'Impelled' has such a wild cast—it’s one of those stories where every character feels like they could carry their own spin-off. The protagonist, Ryn, is this scrappy underdog with a chip on her shoulder, but her growth from 'angry loner' to reluctant leader is so satisfying. Then there’s Kael, the morally gray mentor who keeps you guessing—is he helping Ryn or using her? Their dynamic reminds me of '
the lies of locke lamora' but with more magic-induced existential crises.
And don’t even get me started on the side characters! Jessa, the cheerful healer with a dark past, stole my heart instantly. Meanwhile, Lorvath, the antagonist, isn’t just some mustache-twirling villain; his backstory makes you almost sympathize before he does something horrifying. The way the author balances personal stakes with world-ending threats? Chef’s kiss.