This was a unique and engaging retelling. The story is paced well, supporting characters are well written, and the portrayal of a main character getting out of a toxic relationship compelling.

The narration took me a little while to get into but by the end I appreciated the way that Malaya was portrayed. Her tone and voice seems to grow and change with her.

I wished there was more time for Malaya's relationship with Salvador to be shown, but can appreciate that that wasn't really the focus of the story.

This is a story of overcoming trauma told in a way that is at times sad, terrifying, joyful, and reflective. The various family dynamics are so well done throughout. I wish I'd had a chance to read this as a teenager when it would have given me so much perspective about choices and consequences.