I don’t really have much to say about the book, even though I liked it just fine. The pacing was slow in several places, but the story really subverted my expectations and went a little buck wild at the end there. But really, what should I expect from a book that’s loosely inspired by Hamlet? One thing I did really appreciate about this book is its trans representation. A trans man, Eolo, is the central character of the book and not once was his validity as a man ever questioned. No one even really brought up his transness; it was just widely accepted by every character. It was only ever stated for us the reader in order to know that part of himself. Hell, even the narrator, a nature god who inhabits a rock, is not really referred to any gender, so that’s possibly some agender/non-binary rep as well. I think, in an age where authors are trying to showcase representation beyond coming out narratives, this is exactly what we need, especially in fantasies. Show that being trans is a normal thing to be that doesn’t have to always be the most standout thing about you. Eolo’s loyalty and courage are more focused on and admired than his gender, which is exactly the representation 2021 and the years ahead need. Also kudos to Leckie for withdrawing this book from the Hugo Award ballot because, since four of her books have already been finalists in the past, she wanted other authors to receive some attention that truly deserved it. That’s some class right there.