If I were to describe this book in one word, it would be intense. Intense emotions, vivid imagery, dense atmosphere. The bleakness of cruel, almost dystopian world; and hope and beauty and love. The writing is exquisite, rich in descriptions—like a painting but with words, you can almost touch it, smell it, feel it. It pulls you in and doesn't let go.

In the middle of the book, I had to take a break for few days, it was too much. Like surfacing after a deep dive when the world around you seems unreal for a while. It's one of those books I enjoyed immersing myself in, but I'm not sure about picking them up again. I feel like I have been run over by a train.

I love it.

Worldbuilding is really well done. The concept of binding with all of its consequences is terrifying and the author makes sure you understand that. Some readers complain that the theme is not explored enough but I disagree. The book raises many questions and it's up to you to find the answers. It's not a sociological study, it's first and foremost a love story (even though at 40% I still couldn't imagine how on Earth it was going to happen). Funny thing that the blurb on GR doesn't mention this at all. Maybe that's why some readers seem to be disappointed. So for any future readers here, I repeat: this is a romance. A love story. And gay—if you didn't know that already. Go and read it.

I admit I wasn't completely satisfied with the ending, it felt too convenient, but maybe it's just me, immersed too much in Lucian's despair to be able to expect any spark of hope at the end...

Some people also say the ending is too open, but I think it was pretty obvious what would happen next. I didn't mind that at all.

Solid five stars from me. I'll probably buy a physical copy and never read it again. Just stare at it and cry :D

Edit: I also want to applaud the narrator, it was the best audiobook narration I've heard so far.