After reading Harrow the Ninth and seeing just how unlike Gideon the Ninth was, I expected this to be completely different from those as well, and it definitely was.

This book kept me enthralled but at the time time, I just couldn't stop feeling that the whole book was just a means to an end. I know it's part of a series so that's kind of the point, but a lot of me was just waiting to get to through the five days. But also this book added a lot to the world building, and I loved getting to know these characters more, and I'm sure we got introduced to some who will be making an impact in Alecto.

The gang was cute and served their purpose but I felt like we spent too much time with them.

Probably at least two of these stars are just for Camilla and Palamedes. Life is too short and love is too long.

Gideon was kind of an asshole, which was a little disappointing after waiting so long to see her or Harrow, but it works I think. I am hoping she's just being a dick as a combo of feeling like she's lost Harrow after sacrificing herself for her (and thinking Harrow didn't even want her), and probably has her soul imperfectly bound to her body since John is a turd with his own agenda.

Regardless of all that, I couldn't put this book down, until the end, when I hesitated to finish because I knew I'd be leaving with more questions than answers and probably a couple tragedies. I love it and also didn't like it (in a good way?) Not sure.

Probably gonna re-read the entire last day of the book as that part was extremely confusing, but I find that to be the fun part.