To be transparent, I checked out this audiobook from the library because it was available ASAP, it was short, and it finished off a StoryGraph challenge I was trying to wrap up. And it just stole my little heart! This was such an interesting and well-written story. I was hooked immediately. The folklore/mythical beasts were wonderful, the character relationships were well done, and I really enjoyed the ending even if it wasn't what I expected.

The biggest complaint, of course, is that this is an idea that could have (and in my opinion, should have) been a full sized novel. There is so much lore and worldbuilding and political intrigue and character dynamics that are just begging to be explored, and while I thought it was well written for a novella, overall I was disappointed with the lack of depth that always seems to come with a work of this length. Give me 400 pages of BIRD.

Would absolutely still recommend though, especially if you're short on time. Gonna have to check out Jade City now!