The entirety of what I knew about Tuberculosis before reading this book was from hearing John Green talk about it through the years. And I must confess before a couple of years ago I didn't even realize that consumption and coughing up blood was tuberculosis. So reading this book and learning so much more about it, as well as understanding what John Green's connection to it, felt like a full circle moment.

Reading "science book" written by and "English major type" was so interesting. Green really knows how to write to an emotional peak, layering statistics and with personal stories to great effect. I know he's very focused on tuberculosis but I would love if more novelist would tackle this sort of subject. Bringing more storytelling narrative styles to nonfiction....or you know I could just read more narrative nonfiction. adding Tracy Kidder back onto the TBR

Loved that! I don't think I've read anything like it, I loved the unique premise, world-building, & mythology! I usually don't like a mystery sub genre in fantasy books, but this one worked really well for me. And the dark academia vibes combined with the quest/competition tropes added so many fun layers. And of course that was all just a front for the bigger story going on behind the scenes. Hodgson had a great balance of 'predictable' twists alongside some I totally didn't expect.

The story starts out very strong. I love when authors use opening chapters in interesting ways and Yana & Ruko's story really sold me on the book from the get go. It really helped to push the storyline along, waiting to see how the aftermath of that all would play out.

Oh and the characters in this are all so good! A great cast of characters all with well expressed motives & personalities. We had plenty of morally ambiguous characters (the best kind)! I love Neema, I LOVE CAIN! Capable characters that are smart have witty dialogue and may or may not have complicated backstories are the best.