I seriously don’t know where to start with this review. M. L. Wang, I was unaware of your game. I loved the magic system. I loved this idea that you could type spells and map out where to get the energy for them. I think for a standalone, this had fantastic world building. 

I had an instantaneous understanding of the gender, race and class structures and the systems of oppression that prevailed in Tiran. I think the themes of oppression were a little bit heavy handed but it was a credit to the world building and plotlines. I found it interesting that Sciona was looked down on for following a different branch of the main religion. I loved how Thomil challenged the religion and history of Tiran in comparison to the history and religion of the Kwen. I loved how he put the future in Carra’s hands as the youth are the ones who have to live in the future. 

I enjoyed the academic passion and the way that the academics are portrayed as doing everything they can to pursue knowledge even if they harm others (Brigham) and academics who relish in pursuing knowledge that will cause pain because they love the power of it (Renthorn). My only gripe is the relationship between Sciona and Thomil. I hate oppressed x oppressor, and I found it especially heinous in this case because Sciona only saw him as human like 4 days before she kissed him. All in all, M. L. Wang has become one of my instant read authors.