A girl steeped in the magical waters in the river, a angel of death, and a boy searching for his friend are all tied together in the brewing war and revolution during WWII in Budapest. Csilla’s parents were murdered by the Soviet police and she fears for her life and the life of her loved ones, she is planning to escape as soon as possible... but thing’s dont always go according to plan. Azriel is an angel of death who guides souls and comes when he is needed. Tamas is searching for his friend and lover in a time where being gay is punishable by death. All their paths collide and soon they find themselves all participating in an oncoming revolution and the magical river that binds them all together. This was such an interesting read as it is set in 1956 and during the Hungarian revolution in post-WWII Communist Budapest. It’s an adventure, its tragic, and bittersweet, and courageous and so much. I loved the gentle poly/triad relationship depicted in this story between the three characters. They all genuinely cared and loved one another and that was so sweet. They had so little time together but what time they had, it was beautiful and wonderful. This was quite a nice take on history and magic mixed in together and I would definitely recommend it!

*Thanks Netgalley and Random House Children's, Knopf Books for Young Readers and YALL FEST for sending me an arc!*