This is a tragic book but is so well done on every level that I find addicting to read. It is definitely an epic adult dark high fantasy if I have ever read one but even with the heavy concepts and themes, it felt like I was flying through the pages every time I picked it up. Sci fi elements are also very central to the plot which I think helped make the very abstract magic system a lot more concrete to follow.

The humor did give the tragic events balance though.

— overall: 4.5 —
⇢ trigger warnings//

Spoiler

graphic violence, death of a loved one, physical and emotional abuse, polyamorous relationship, death of a child, child labor, misogyny, anorexia (implied), grief, tragedy

“For all those that have to fight for the respect that everyone else is given without question.”

↑ Doesn't that opening line just give you chills? ↑

Right off the bat I already loved the writing style. It’s told from a very unique POV style that leaves a lot to the reader to piece together. From way tenses are used to the chapter titles, I loved it.

The world-building takes some time in the beginning but I didn’t mind. It was intriguing to me and by the time my mind started dwindling around half way was when the action started so it was able to catch my attention again. Most of the magic system is explained later on in the book because the world-building took it's time.


It feels very adventurous and has this air of mystery and the feeling that you just want to see them all survive. But also it gave me the feeling of just wanting to survive, just like the characters of the world. With that, it kept bringing up the topic of how surviving isn’t always living.

I was pleasantly surprised at how prevalent the climate change aspects were even though I was aware of that going in. And the way that was woven and made into a sci fi-esque plot that makes sense with people that have powers to control these said seismic movements, was very unique and fascinating to figure out.

I do think we are going to get more of the magic system in the later books though because I feel like for the most part this book really focused on the characters.

“We aren't human."

"Yes. We. Are." His voice turns fierce. "I don't give a shit what the something-somethingth council of big important farts decreed, or how the geomests classify things, or any of that. That we're not human is just the lie they tell themselves so they don't have to feel bad about how they treat us.”

As usual in the high fantasy genre, there is a looming mystery that drives the plot forward. The dynamic and layered plot that I love in epic fantasies is there with very strong themes and commentary on prejudice, racism, and power.

There was a lot more lgbtq+ and gender non conforming rep than I expected. And the fact that dark/brown skinned complexions are what’s considered more common than lighter complexions made me a lil~ happy.

“There is an art to smiling in a way that others will believe. It is always important to include the eyes; otherwise, people will know you hate them.”

I don't know if I have to say this since it's a given that it's high-fantasy but be prepared to be learning new terminologies and lingo. I loved the complex character dynamics with basically almost every character relationship.

There are very strong family-like relationships that I absolutely adored

Spoiler

Syenite/Damaya/Essun and Alabaster

. And even though I expected the plot twist I was still giddy to see everything unfolding. Syenite and Alabaster are literally my favorite pair for just the reason that they aren't romantically involved... but also they kind of are.... but nevertheless they care about each other.

AND