I’m deep in the crafty zone at the minute with multiple audiobook-friendly projects on the go, so I spent many hours a day plugged into the Tarisai’s world this week. I usually stay away from fantasy on audio, as I get lost easily, but listening to big chunks in one go apparently is a good workaround for that! I was absolutely captivated by this world, filled with magic and intrigue, and I was enamoured with the cast. It revolves around Tarisai and her council siblings, all sworn to protect Dayo, emperor-in-waiting - obviously there’s a big problem in that Tarisai is cursed and destined to kill Dayo. Oops. The bonds these kids share are just too wholesome, and while the romance subplot is quite small, it’s bloody emotional! Almost too sweet - almost. The plot chugs along very nicely, never drags and never giving me whiplash either. Themes like imperialism, misogyny and unity vs uniformity are woven in smartly, not too on the nose and appropriate for its YA audience without babying them. My one critique is I wanted to know more about the underworld, and how children are sacrificed but some somehow survive? I’m hoping this will be addressed in the second book! 

Honestly just spot on fantasy, and I will definitely be reading book two!