This was such a fun and thrilling read about culture, community, and what we are willing to do to protect the ones that we love. 

This story takes place in a world previous to our own and it feels almost steampunky, with machines and technology beginning to encompass every aspect of our lives.The main character, Nhika, is the last known bloodcarver, an individual who can alter your internal bodily functions with the mere touch of her hand. However, Nhika has to hide her talents because of the fears and unwarranted misinformation being spread about her kind and culture. Nhika is unfortunately found out and is taken to a black market type of warehouse where she is bought for an exorbitant amount of money by a young girl who tasks Nhika with healing the only survivor who may have witnessed the death of her highly esteemed father. Nhika is thrown into a world very different from her own and is met with both resistance and fear of others finding out who she really is, and she must learn to harness her powers and connect with her culture in order to survive.

I really enjoyed this book and how the act of ‘soothing’ (bloodcarving, however its mentioned that her kind wishes to be known as heartsoothes) was described. It was very visceral and detailed, you can see and feel the energy flowing through the body and how it’s dispersed. The characters were a little one note, especially the family she works for, but I really enjoyed the journey Nhika took to reconnect with her culture and family history. 

My one downside of this book was the romance element. It just felt unnecessary, especially if the author was trying to go for an ‘enemies-lovers’ route, it just felt rushed and very instant love. I personally wouldn’t want to shack up with someone who belittles me and my intelligence, but hey, to each their own! Also, I don’t feel like there was any rhyme or reason for Nhika to do some of the things she did, especially the ending. I guess love will really make you do bonkers things. 

Thank you NetGalley and Roaring Brook Press for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.