I just think revenge stories are so sexy. A god reincarnating in the body of a man in order to exact revenge in honor of his massacred people? I have no option but to fall in love.

Me in real life raise my hand against a human being? Never. When fictional characters release their righteous anger in order to demand payment for wrongs? That is some good food.

In all seriousness, though, I loved the characters here. The one character I could have done without is Okoa. Everyone else? I was glued to the pages. With Naranpa, I loved how much she was well-intentioned in everything she did but was trying to navigate a corrupt system. She was so aware of the issues in Tova, but no one would take her seriously. With Xiala, I was just in love with my incredible Teek captain. She was so flawed, but I wanted to see her find her place. Xiala is unmoored, uncommitted, unconcerned with anything that isn't the present moment...and seeing her form attachments? I weep openly. With Serapio, I just wanted him to enact his revenge in the name of his god and his people. Would Serapio terrify me if I met him in real life? 100 %. Am I in love with him? 100% I was right there cheering him on setting this world upside down.

Was the romance between Xiala and Serapio necessary? No. Was I weak for it? Hell yes. Chapter 34? I wept. I felt like I was burning from the inside out. If you know, you know. 

And Iktan? I need more of xir. Xe betrayed me time and time again but still I want more. I'm like Naranpa with xir. I just can't let xir go. I want to trust xir. 

Also. Abah? The worst. She made me consider violence every time she was on the page. As far as I'm concerned, she's the villain of this book. You can't change my mind. 

Was this review meaningful at all? Not really. But it's the best I can do. I just loved this. I would highly recommend it.