such a lovely read! at first it felt a bit verbose, lots of names, terms of political systems/structures, new language and vocabulary to navigate. the protagonist is also new to working with these systems so you end up having a learning buddy. the prose is quite clear and beautiful, which lends to the endlessly detailed world Katherine Addison creates.

Maia is a fantastic protagonist!! in a world where ruthlessness is rewarded and expected, his choice to be relentlessly kind again and again is wonderful. i had a friend talk about how maia suffered the trope that happens in some media where the protagonist is naturally good at everything. I do not agree with this take but damn it feels good to see our boy winning LMAO

the effects of maia’s abuse is a fundamental part of the story, and the way that Addison deals with this is quite visceral. I’m impressed with the way everything came around regarding this, and only adds my awe with the tenderness and kindness maia chooses to put forward.

it got subtly paced political intrigue it got airships it got gay priest who speaks with the dead it got hope, what more can ya ask for!! said priest has the next book(s) written with him as the protag, they are quite good in their own right but I will dearly miss reading about maia, csethiro, csevet, cala, and the rest of the emporer’s found family.