Another entry in the genre that should probably be called glorious madcap mashup. A mix of magical realism and future-tech, Drayden is clearly having a blast with her novel. It is a book that is hard to describe, but easy to read. And it's fun, even as it explores some of the darker sides of powerful divinity. Drayden handles the more depressing elements of the narrative with a pretty light touch, refusing to dwell, but also refusing to gloss over. It reminds me of Anders [b:All the Birds in the Sky|25372801|All the Birds in the Sky|Charlie Jane Anders|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1429225322s/25372801.jpg|45119441] only without the ambitious message. Drayden is, overall, more successful than Anders precisely because she is interested in a more intimate scale and story. And because she is more interested in telling fast-paced story of shifting allegiances than she is in trying to say something about her story. Drayden's novel has a lot to say, but it says most of it in the novel and does so through the language of myth and choice. I like it better for that.
Also, any book with a surprise dik-dik joke is a good book.