For an indepth review on my thoughts on the execution of Sigourney Rose as morally grey, the themes of this story, and my reactions to the ending, watch here: https://youtu.be/FbEj_yVOLP0
I had difficulty deciding on a rating for this book. I really wanted to know how it would end and didn't doubt I would finish the book, but I had some big issues with the pacing of the story. It felt like it could've been condensed a lot. Sigourney is supposed to be morally grey and unlikable. It's a long time to spend with a character who is so one note and often despicable. There's a mystery that Sigourney spends a while spinning her wheels trying to solve. I didn't figure the whole thing out, but I had an inkling. I know Sigourney doesn't get it for thematic reasons, but this was another factor slowing the story down. Due to Sigourney's mind reading kraft, we get character studies of various Fjern, which allowed for some well-executed commentary on white supremacy and the different forms racism can take. The ending was both vindicating and frustrating. The world of Hans Lollik Helle and the other islands felt fresh and imaginative, and I definitely want to continue the series because it raises some fascinating questions around unity during revolution.