WOW it’s the first time I’ve seen non binary people being as visible and as ingrained into a fictional culture that’s so well laid out! It’s not just one side character being non binary, it’s a society where non binary people r acknowledged as such and also present throughout the story (either as main character or side characters)! Even trans and other queer folks are included in a thought out way that just makes sense in this culture. I love the use of thei/thim/thir pronouns and other words for some of the recognized identities we have today. The use of words other than the ones we adopted in our modern world really breathed life into this fictional world and made the world way more immersive.

I’ll be honest, half way through the book I was fully convinced that

Raeki

was the rat so I was thoroughly surprised by the reveal. But I love the twist a lot, it made sense when you think back on it. And I wonder if the emphasis on the

color palette that was used in Laecia’s private quarters is to alert the reader about her dissatisfaction with her house.

Maybe I’m reading into it too much.

I have to admit that I constantly mix up the names for places and countries. Not that it hindered my reading too much, because all I had to do is to check the world map again. I think it’s the Qs and Xs in the beginning of words that are messing with my brain.

Absolutely loved the development of the relationship between Velasin and Caethari. I wish it would’ve burned more slowly but it was very sweet once they open up to each other so I can’t complain. I honestly love all the other side characters too. They (the important ones) were all pretty fleshed out and interesting to read about. Even the villains.