This book was a weird, wild, hilarious, terrifying ride. I’m sad that NKJ decided to make this a duology but I’m thankful that she powered through to finish it. The author’s note speaks to the fact that reality kept getting ahead of her plot, and that was extremely mentally challenging for her in the height of a pandemic. It does feel like she planned on three books in that a few elements felt a little rushed, and I would have liked more time with a few of the characters BUT NK wrapped up the story in a satisfying way nonetheless.

For those looking for an NK Jemisin entry point, this duology is a great choice. The pacing is breakneck, the world is fully developed and very visceral. The characters are incredibly diverse and realistic (well, as realistic as human avatars of the city of New York can be). There are weird alien attackers and pedestrian evils. I dunno. I loved it. Can I really explain it? No. 😂

👍🏻Recommended! If you like modern fantasy through an incredibly intersectional lens, you will like this. Worth reading on the verge of an election as a reminder that the evils we live with every day are just as dangerous as metaphysical floating cities populated by weird tentacled beings bent on our destruction.