Wow didn't see this coming.
It is the first in a trilogy. Kind of more like a Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 set up. The book is messy and I tried to correct it with the film. I'll agree, the film focuses so much on world building that the story isn't drawn out well.
I am still releasing the second and third film regardless of the mixed reviews this film got. I am 100% certain it will be leaps and bounds better than the first one. It gets very unique and involves commoners, magicians, and spirits in a very cool interconnected world.
I am actually very excited for y'all to read the sequel (Year 5 because of filming). I think it will get better reviews