I don't know where to begin; I simply loved this book. I couldn't put it down, and about halfway through became sad that I was reading an ARC and thus couldn't go to Twitter and look for others yelling about how much they love Zaya and Col. 

The story is magnificent and really draws you in. Even when I could predict parts of where it was going, it still managed to surprise me with its intensity, some significant turn, or its resolution. 

I really appreciate the small political aspects of the book, especially seeing Zaya learn more about how the world works, and realize laws need to be changed to help people. I also appreciate that it's not easy, even for him--he recognizes that changing the way things have been run for hundreds of years will be difficult. But still, it feels hopeful in a refreshing way.

Other small details I loved: one of the main characters is bi/pan, and just this world's general stance on queer relationships was refreshing without being wildly unrealistic. Also, the cover is absolutely gorgeous; I thought so at first glance, but now that I've looked at a bigger version more closely, I'm just in love with it.

I would recommend this book to anyone, not just because it's good and I think they'd enjoy it, but also because I want others to talk about it with! This book deserves a whole community of readers making fanart and discussing what the rest of this world could hold (as well as getting excited about the romance aspect, because wow I know I did). 

Thank you to NetGalley and Central Avenue Publishing for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.