I enjoyed reading this book. It has a Harry Potter-esque kind of feel. Or maybe more like Name of the Wind.

Robert Weekes is a male character living in an upside down world. It’s almost like a mirror. The same, but not. Women are the strength in this dimension. Men are picked on. And sexualized. It’s an interesting dynamic.

While there’s no outright magic, there are Philosophers (alchemists - even more like Name of the Wind) who are able to use sigils that utilize energy in many ways; hovering, transporting, killing.

Robert is on his journey to mastering sigilry at Radcliffe college. One of few boys even given the opportunity.

I liked the radical religious Trenchers as antagonists in this world. It brings to mind Salem and witch hunts. I enjoy the concept of WW2 while also battling enemies at home.

Although I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to it’s sequels, I do feel like there was a lack of character development. There is no character that would have broke my heart if they died. And that is a downside. I’d say that world building took precedence for Miller. I think I would have enjoyed introduction where only necessary, in a HP fashion.

Overall, 4 stars. Will recommend. And definitely a story, and world, that will stay with me.