I already adored this author’s first book, The Dark Tide, but when I saw her next release was going to be sapphic monster girls, I knew it was going to be even more of a favorite than the The Dark Tide ever was. And boy was I right! I loved so much about this, from the setting that felt like it curled out of the edges of the book to the characters that brought life to every page!

My favorite part of this book definitely had to be the characters, and I loved the strong contrast they created in the narration. You could so clearly tell who was narrating each chapter, whether it was Marynka and her burning energy and the magic of Midday or whether it was Zosia, with the blanketing calm and power of Midnight. I love how clearly every character embodied their powers, but that similarities could still be drawn between all these witches, and that they were so clearly not human on top of all of that. This book fully leans into these girls being monsters, and I love it so much for it. (I also love Marynka and her fire and chaos so so much, especially when it’s seen on page with Zosia as a contrast!)

The plot itself wasn’t necessarily dazzling, but it also felt like it fit the setting wonderfully, and didn’t necessarily try to fit with the characters themselves for the reader’s attention. This book was heavily character-driven, and the plot seemed to understand that and work in tandem with the strengths of the characters, rather than drowning it out. I also really loved how the setting tied it all up, and it was so interesting to see the contrasting temperature reflected in this setting as Zosia or Marynka would use their magics. It was overall just really well-done and composed, and I can still picture certain scenes in my mind!

Overall, this book has cemented this author as someone to keep an eye on for me, and I cannot wait to see what she writes next!