Morally flexible characters trying to be better in a world where everything is against them to be so are my bread and butter. I was so invested in Owen's world and characters where everything felt so big and complex yet still comprehensible. Ragne was a delight and Vanya's cat and mouse dynamic with Emeric was adorable. The relationships took a natural time to develop right alongside the characters' motivations and aspirations. The book had a feeling of being just enough, whether regarding the plot, character dynamics, pace, and worldbuilding. Definitely going to continue with this one.