I went into the book almost blind, I knew it was fantasy and Asian in the world building but that’s all I knew.
It had been recommended to me by people who read all sorts of different genres, plus it’s long enough to keep me company on walks for a while. This thought back fired somewhat when I wasn’t able to stop listening. Walks took longer and I was listening to it in the house too. I don’t want to really say what the book is about as I feel not having a clue going into it allowed me to not have preconceived ideas of what I was getting into.
Ultimately, this book is about emotions. How you can use them to strengthen you and how they can colour your thought processes without you even knowing.
There is one thing I didn’t know about this book going into it, which had I known I wouldn’t have read it to be honest, because reading is escapism and this hit very close to the bone. Death does occur in this book but I’m so glad I didn’t know because I would have missed a book I’m still thinking about weeks later.
Womens voices are articulated beautifully and demonstrates how some friendships are essential to living. I could list hundreds of things I loved about this book but it’s easier to say there wasn’t a single thing I found I didn’t like. Everything in this book has purpose and it’s fast paced. Action scenes are marvellously written without being drawn out and the magic system is intriguing and captivating. The world building is so immersive I had no problem conjuring images to mind.
Just read it!