“Moms raised diamonds.”

“And diamonds don’t crack.”

This book was such a fun time as well as a bit emotional as I connected to a tough part in it. I liked Rue as a character, who’s constant thought was to always protect her sister. There were times when her character flaws of being stubborn or not communicating well upset me but thinking of her age and what she had been though, I did sympathize with her. That still didn’t stop the thoughts that some of her problems would have been solved with better communication. She was a flawed character who at times infuriated me but she tried to do what she thought was right and didn’t lose sight of who she was. 

I thought the side characters were well written with one my favorites being Rue’s best friend, Bri. Bri was a rule follower, although she did tip toe that line at times. My love for her grew when something she’d always believed to be true was outed as a lie, and her reaction to it was emotional yet true. 

One of my favorite parts of the book was the stand that was taken to the blatant racism many of the characters faced. This wasn’t something shied away from and I liked that. 

I also enjoyed the magic system the Ghizonians had although I would have loved to delve more into it. There are so many questions I have about that that hopefully will be answered in book 2.

Thank you to Simon and Schuster, Denene Milner Books, and Netgalley for a copy of the book!