I really expected to hate this. Fantasy is far outside my comfort zone, and my anticipation of hate actually did carry through the first 20% or so of the novel. But the mysteries intrigued me enough to keep me going, and as soon as the twists started revealing themselves I was, much to my surprise, hooked. Once I bought into the premise of the book, I came to appreciate a message (one among many, but the most powerful to me) that extends well into the real world: it's easy to respond to what's different with fear and destruction, but by embracing what's foreign we can learn, grow, and find more joy than we could've otherwise conceived.

The relationships in this book were really beautifully crafted, as were the complicated feelings and loyalties that come with years of manipulation and hidden truths. Emotions aren't black and white, even when it seems obvious how someone *should* be feeling, and I appreciate that this book didn't shy away from that. I think the exposition took just a bit too long—we wouldn't have been any worse off without one or two scenes from January's fraught childhood, and even the second act leading up to

Spoiler

January's escape from the mental facility

was a little drawn out for my liking—but otherwise the pacing was pretty good and the reveals were well timed.

I enjoyed this journey much more than I anticipated, and would happily recommend it to even the most fantasy-allergic readers. Step outside the box and through the door with me, people! And read the book so you'll understand that closing. ;)