To be fully transparent and honest, I was hesitant to start this because I am not religious myself. Actually, it would be more honest to say I am anti-(organized) religion. I feel it's important to explain my starting place and views because they obviously color my experience with this story. The dedication made me pause.

And yet...

This is one of the most beautifully written, achingly evocative books I have ever read. Akwaeke Emezi has been on my to-read list for a while now, and I will absolutely be prioritizing more of their work.

If you're tired of fantasy or paranormal stories where the non-humans feel and act like glorified Humans Plus™️ (humans plus wings, humans plus magic, etc.), this is the story for you. If you want to explore the emotions surrounding betrayal, the ache of belonging, self discovery, and building your own path, this is the story for you. (And if you also have patience and want some of the hottest, intimate scenes I have ever read...)

I am genuinely devastated there is no sequel planned for this book. The ending was excellent, and it's not that it needs one. I just want one so badly, I can feel it deep in marrow. I need more of these characters.

Edited to add: if you have the chance to listen to the audiobook, please do yourself the favor. It was genuinely one of the best I have ever heard. The accents, intonation, and pacing were incredible.

This is the book equivalent of a shelf with 90s-inspired fantasy artwork of glitter faeries with thigh-highs, dragon incense burners, and a matching set of snakeskin katanas (display only).

There's a fine line between camp and cringe, and this falls so far into cringe, I could only handle twenty minutes before I sat in silence to decompress.

DNF @ 16% (60 pages).

The whole "she's so tiny but fiesty" and "I have suffered so I will make innocents suffer" is so overdone. I do not have time to read from the perspective of an abusive romantic partner, even if it they "overcome" it in the end and attempt to rectify it. There's enough bullshit in the world as it is, and while I don't mind dark themes in romance, I do not tolerate it from the love interest. Nothing will excuse the MMC's thoughts and actions for me. I literally do not care what has happened to you if you act this way.

Also also, on a pettier note, hope you like worldbuilding terms that start with the letter K! Have 47392 of them!!