What did you think of Brimstone?

So, I'm still mulling over my decision about pre-ordering Book 3 after finishing Brimstone. It's always a tough call when a book has some fantastic elements but also parts that make you pause. For me, that 'filler' feeling was a big one. It's like, you're invested in the dark romance and the intricate fantasy world, but then you hit a section where the plot seems to just... idle. Speaking of immersion, I've noticed people asking about specific characters, like 'who is Zovena Brimstone?' While I can't give away any major spoilers, what I can say is that the strength of a dark romance fantasy often lies in its character development. When the story drags, it can sometimes make it harder to connect with everyone, even the pivotal figures. For me, connecting with the characters is key to overlooking any slower parts. Did any particular character stand out to you, or did you feel like some were underdeveloped? I'm always looking for that deep connection that makes me root for them, flaws and all, through every twist and turn of the plot. Another practical aspect of diving into a new series is figuring out the commitment, especially for audiobooks! I've seen questions about 'Brimstone audiobook length.' For a typical dark romance fantasy, audiobooks can range anywhere from 10 to 20+ hours, depending on the author's writing style and the complexity of the world-building. Longer audiobooks can be amazing for those epic journeys, but if there's a lot of 'filler,' it can feel like a very long listen. My personal preference is usually around 12-15 hours – enough to get fully absorbed without feeling like I'm stuck in a never-ending saga. Before I commit to an audiobook, I always check the runtime and sometimes even listen to a sample to get a feel for the narration and pacing. It's a great way to gauge if I'm ready for the time commitment, especially if I'm planning to binge a whole series! Ultimately, deciding whether to continue with a series, especially one in the dark romance fantasy genre that often builds complex worlds, comes down to weighing the highs and lows. Was the romance compelling enough? Did the fantasy elements truly transport you? And was the payoff worth the journey, even with some detours? I'm learning that sometimes, even if a book isn't a perfect 5-star read, the world and characters can still lure you back for more. It’s a constant balancing act between enjoying the story and wishing it had been tighter. What are your criteria for deciding to pre-order the next book in a series?