What an absolutely, positively fascinating world and a masterclass in weird worlds. The world-building here is not concrete--it's ever-changing, angelic (or eldritch), and defies description. I really enjoyed the ways the language used circled description: defining objects by what they might be, or definitely are not, or could possibly be. A great many sentences end with nouns you could never have predicted (my personal favorite was Apes). It is difficult to find your footing in, but adds a lot to the energy of the story.

As for the story, I loved it. The characters, primarily Pell and Kew, have a simple, dogged determination that contrasts the lush and weird world beautifully, cutting through fae-like scenes with grounded annoyance and spirit. Their paths and objectives are so clear and unchanging it creates a mythic quality to their journey that suits the themes of the novel perfectly. It's unique, to me, how these characters serve as guides, capable of seeing the injustices of this world... but unable to do much to change history (yet?). Through their eyes, we see the more mundane horrors and castle secrets hidden behind quaint palace doors.

I think this book will appeal best to those who don't mind unanswered questions and incomplete histories. Readers who like clear, easily-reference-able maps and unchanging compass directions might find the songs of The West Passage "sloppy" or "confusing." While the battles are epic, the full resolutions are almost entirely left the readers imagination-in my mind a feature, not a bug. It is meant to replicate the effect of old, oral stories with hundreds of tellings and hundreds of endings...but this may not be your cup of tea.

I would recommend The West Passage to readers who enjoyed books like: When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain, Kissing the Witch: Old Tales in New Skins, The Salt Grows Heavy, or The Archive Undying.

Thank you to NetGalley and TorDotCom for providing this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.