This was not what I expected it to be, but I enjoyed it! 

In the first third or so, I was convinced this was actually YA. You have a younger character learning about herself, coming of age, discovering her place in the world & trying to make it better, plus just making any and all terrible decisions along the way. BUT, in the second half, things got more political, darker, and by the end our main character finally had some growth & development. I was really happy with where it ended and I want to read book 2! 

For fans of The Foxglove King but slower paced and more queer (so much toxic sapphic yearning, plus a gay couple as one of the main side characters). Tons of political intrigue, religious trauma, parental issues, and a mysterious Death that is NOT the love interest (thank you and also curse you romantasy for the brain rot that has conditioned me to expect that). I loved the raven side kick too. 

I did spend a good chunk of this book debating DNFing but I’m actually quite glad I pushed through.