Since more books in the series are out, I decided to try this one again, but ultimately I was still left wanting not necessarily more, but just a different execution in the same world. This is SUCH a compelling premise, especially the magic system, but the main character Bree was so frustrating. I understand that the author was trying to give representation to different manifestations of grief and trauma, but for Bree to constantly run away from important conversations and stop talking to people when she needed that information felt against her goals. It would have been different if that didn't happen EVERY time. I also felt like the more interesting magic was underdeveloped in favor of the arena-style battle of the less interesting magic. Tons of potential!