I knew before reading that this book dealt with a vengeance/political intrigue narative and colonialism in fantasy, and that it wouldn't pull punches in either, and I *still* was not prepared. The voice and writing are compelling, the characters (specifically the narrator, Sigourney, and her white political rivals/oppressors) both fundamentally reprehensible and three-dimensional, the worldbuilding lush and deep and unapologetically honest about power--over people, politics, self, and narrative. It doesn't let you forget about the narrowness of heroic narratives and the sources and legitimacy of their power, and the people those leave out. Plus the plot keeps you in more and more of a death grip as it goes on. Recommended especially to any fantasy reader.