This book took me a solid hundred and fifty pages or more to really get into the story. The multiple narrators made things a bit confusing, especially when I really only cared for Xiala and Serapio. It took me longer to care for Narampa, although I did eventually come to care for her almost as much as the other two main POV characters. There is a LOT of set up in this book, but I think it pays off. We'll really have to see if the second book brings all of this home, but I have a lot of faith that it will.

A few things to know going into this book.

1. Some characters are a third gender and use neo-pronouns. If you're listening to the audio version of this book, that might throw you off. Xe and xir are the pronouns that Narampa and other third gender characters use and are easy enough to get used to if you don't mistake them for names or nicknames at first.
2. LGBTQ+ identities are everywhere and integrated fully into the story without being focal points. These characters are free to exist in this world just as they are.
3. It's a first book in what appears to be a duology or perhaps a trilogy. You'll get some answers, but you won't get all of them and you'll be left with questions. The ending most likely won't drive you insane though, so that's nice.

Overall, it's so nice to read a fantasy that isn't based in middle ages British lore. I love me some Lord of the Rings and the like, don't get me wrong, but diverse fantasy is the way of the present and the future. If you're a fantasy lover, don't skip on this one.