I purchased this novel after coming across David’s YouTube channel. I appreciated his insights on many things INFJ (#CongratulationsAndImSorry) that I wanted to help support his channel. I am one of those people that love books and love to read, but also have a demanding career that leaves me little time or energy to do so. Thus, I have a wonderful book collection, filled with engaging titles; however, most are unfinished or not started. I am thrilled to report that this book was the exception. 💜📚I purchased it in April and finished it within a week, and it is the only book I’ve finished since then. From the start, the main character intrigues you. You want to know more about not only him, but his mission and purpose. It is also a story full of vivid imagery of the “Goldilocks” variety — it’s just right. After I completed the book and was reflecting on it, I was struck by the masterful pace and flow of the story. I never found myself reading, wishing the chapter or part of the story would hurry up or slow down. I was able to sit back and enjoy the ride. I’ve not read many novels, not to mention *first* novels, where the author was able to get that “just right” pacing with all aspects of the story, from internal monologue v. action to character development v. surprises.This work impressed me so much that I also purchased a separate copy and had it shipped to my parents, who were spending lots of time at home due to Covid. I think my father was a little skeptical at first (since he’s a huge non-fiction/history buff), but, after he finished it, he had nothing but praise. Like me, he truly enjoyed the ride, and, like me, thinks this story (if done right by the right director) would be amazing as a miniseries or movie. Absolutely! 😎🎥My only criticism of this story is minor. It has a touch of the “damsel in distress,” in my opinion. Elise is presented as a strong, capable female character for most of the book, but at about the second description of her crying, it took me (a 40-something woman) out of the story just a little bit as I wondered, “Does she really need to be crying again?” I suppose I wanted to see the drama of the moments just exist without relying on a female character to react in a “typical” female way. But, did this stop me from finishing the book? Heck no. In the grand scheme of things, it was a minor speed bump. 😁All in all, I very highly recommend this book, for both you and as a gift for family members. It doesn’t “feel” like a first novel and I am excited to see sequels or just more creative work from this author. Well done, David!!! 🙌👏