I've read, and loved, Traci Chee's previous book, The Reader, though I still need to continue the series, so I was extremely excited when my request for an advanced copy of this book was approved. The synopsis seemed like exactly my sort of thing, and I couldn't wait to dive in!

I adored this book, and it kept growing on me more and more as I went on, and as the story shifted forms. Each time the story shifted, I found something new to love, and I loved how it was ever-changing, keeping me on my toes and constantly guessing what could possibly come next. This carried an aura of fairy tales whilst still feeling a step apart from other fairy tale style stories or retellings I've read before.

I also really enjoyed how many creatures and monsters and spirits were involved in every page of this book, and I thought the footnotes giving some of them quick explanations were a nice touch. It allowed curious readers to learn more about the creatures on page without bogging down the writing and storytelling with possibly repetitive introductions to creature after creature. I honestly really loved how small a role humans seemed to play in the story overall, and that so many of the characters seemed imbued with magic somehow, either through being a spirit themselves or having some connection to them. It made the story feel richer overall, and I loved meeting them all, whether they were names I had encountered in other stories before or not.

Miuko's journey was also an intriguing one, and I found it so hard to decide what to wish for for her, in terms of an ending. Did I want her to free herself of the curse, a dream she so determinedly clung to? Or did I want her to embrace this new side of herself, even if it came at the cost of her humanity? The answer to this was ever-shifting, as Miuko's journey proceeded and more information came forth, about both options. Miuko herself wavered on this specific decision many times as well, and I found this internal journey a perfect complement to the external one she was taking alongside it. The villain also played an intriguing role, even if, as time went on, he became a clearer and clearer villain. I enjoyed the fuzziness around his morality at first,

Spoiler

and part of me still wishes the book had perhaps followed the route of them joining up, not to necessarily burn the world down and remake it, but rather for both of them to find their wishes in each other. I wished for this less and less as the story went on of course, and it became clearer that the villain was not redeemable, but I definitely could have seen this side of the story as well, from some parts at the beginning.

Overall, I absolutely loved this book, and cannot wait to pick up a copy for myself when it releases. If you love magical spirits, strong-willed heroines, and tricky side characters that aren't quite human, this is a perfect read to start off 2022 with!