This is a hauntingly raw book. I think reading it in the wake of what is occurring across boarders amplifies the destructive and painful realities of war, genocide, and violence. 

RF Kaung writes in details that strike the heart and prick the soul. Runin is a fearful character, who learns to wield her fear as a power and to strike back against those who so desperately want to see her fail. She is someone who knows loss and ruin and still rises because she believes she destined for more, for better. Along the way she meets characters who are her friend and who are her family. Altan is another character who knows raw grief and pain. 

The description of witnessing the events alone brought tears to my eyes and sometimes that’s all we can do. Witness. Much like Kitay who just had to watch and wait. Venka whose narrative was far from the one she carried in school. All of it is gut wrenching and profound and you just can’t look away. 

Rin is power and I’m both hesitant and excited to follow her on the remainder of this journey.