While I did enjoy the ending, the development of certain characters left much to be desired. The world setting is very misogynistic and homophobic where abuse of all forms is happening. A “conform or die” type setting; fine because the fantasy Bayron is selling is not one of balls and glass slippers but one in which we (minorities) are taking our power back. Cool.

However, instead of building empathy around characters clearly struggling to survive in a world where it’s conform or die, Bayron wants us to be mad at certain characters for being complicit in their own abuse. As a closeted bi myself, many moments in this world were difficult to read and understand what the author is trying to get us to feel. How can I hate certain characters for accepting their fate when that is the reality I and so many other LGBT+ folks must do to keep ourselves safe? There is strength BOTH in standing up for yourself AND in seeing tomorrow. 

Being very honest, if the narrative of

Erin

had been handled differently, I would have rated this book much higher.