“This much I know. There are two choices. One is to melt into the darkness. The other is to become a god of despair. I can't tell you how this story ends. I don't know the ending. Not yet. Remember, it's only a story.”

The “Twin Peaks” score plays softly in the background as we curiously stomp through bizarre scenes, meet truly unique characters, experience the shortfalls of magic, and fall…in love? The clear outlier of Steiger’s talent lies in her ambitious prose and pace control. Her construction of complicated characters was equally paramount. You can read the jacket blurb but it won’t in any way prepare you for the story.

The Queer and LGBT feel somewhat disingenuous. There’s an exchange of sorts that occurs 3/4s through the novel and it does create substantial discourse around gender and autonomy. But, I think you could angle the mirror another 45 degrees and this specific plot factor could be twisted into something more negative, and cruel. Steiger trotted a fine line, and the purpose wasn’t clear, which ultimately made that bright red “trope” alarm sound in my mind.

3/5 “If you're going to take on a demon, you'd better be prepared to offer up a chunk of your own heart.”