I loved this novella! This short but incredibly impactful story gripped me from start to finish. There is something particularly moving about Fonda Lee's writing style. This book read almost like a fairytale with all the terrible foreshadowing intricately placed throughout the chapters. I'm so sad that this book is over, I wished this could've been a full length standalone fantasy! 

I grew quite attached to Ester in this quick read! She is a character I saw a lot of myself in; I found myself nodding along to things she did and said. Darius was the unlikely companion the both of them truly needed. I loved the blossoming something (not quite romantic) between them. I don't want to give too much away, but I absolutely loved their dynamic.

I was utterly heartbroken at the ending, but it's bittersweet because while Spring was some time away, it represented a new start. They can work on rehabilitating themselves in the meantime to prepare for it.

Would absolutely recommend!!