3.5 stars

Idk why this book just felt so slow and mundane even though the genre is usually up my alley. I liked the LGBTQ+ aspect of this first book but the pacing and writing just wasn’t my cup of tea. I loved the rich culture the book infused into the fantasy world. The characters were cool and make unexpected choices, but I wasn’t in love with them enough to push though the book in a few sittings. It took almost 2 years (and a pandemic) to finish this book. I’m hesitant to continue the series for this reason and may only due so once the series is complete.

Side note: The cover is absolutely gorgeous!