This was an epic tale, spanning continents and three totally different cultures as they weave together and clash. I will say that Serapio and Xiala stole the show (indeed, our forth narrator Okoa doesn't even come into play until after the halfway point, and even then only for a few snatches - though with that ending, I think we'll see a lot more of him). But what really makes Serapio and Xiala's story special is how they coexist in complete understanding, even as their cultures are so alien to each other.

Naranpa was a bit childish - particularly since she's the oldest (I think?) of our four narrators (Okoa could be older, but I don't think so) and has the most responsibility, theoretically. I'm hoping she gets more depth in future books in the series.

I loved the casual queerness and the treatment of gender - even just a quick line about a third gender that one culture is barbaric for not acknowledging was just so on point. I also love how each character's culture and upbringing deeply influenced how they behaved and how others see them.

I do hope for a bit more about the magic in future books. Because I don't think we totally understood it here. Xiala's made sense enough (at least as far as the song goes, but not the whole thing about bones), as did Serapio's, but the giant Sky Clan beasts, as well as Zataya's earth/blood magic.

{Thank you Librofm and Simon & Schuster Audio for the ALC and NetGalley and Saga Press for the advanced ebook copy; all thoughts are my own}