This book features a vivid and eerily realistic dystopian setting, a thrilling heist, an entire cast of Asian (mostly Taiwanese, I believe) characters, and wonderfully developed relationships.

It was absolutely amazing.

No time period is given, but the story is set in futuristic Taipei. I’ve never read a story that takes place in Taiwan, and after this one I want more. While there was plenty of corruption and classism in this story, the dystopia stemmed from ecological problems. Thick smog and acid rain plague the world, and only the rich yous can afford customized suits that maintain temperature and filter clean air. The middle and lower class meis have no such luxuries. I thought this system was really well developed, as was the world as a whole.

As I read, I couldn’t help but make ties between this book and one of my longtime favorites, Six of Crows. Both feature a lovable group of misfits embarking on an impossible heist that, of course, doesn’t go as planned. I was even able to connect the characters, although in my frenzy, I may have stretched a few things to make it work.

Jason = Matthias
Victor = Kaz
Lingyi = Nina
Iris = Inej
Arun = Wylan

Obviously there are differences. This crew lacks a Jesper, and the Jason/Matthias and Victor/Kaz are more than likely just me grasping at threads. I don’t remember my evidence connecting Jason and Matthias, and all I can think of regarding Victor and Kaz is their expensive, elegant taste in clothes. BUT WAIT. Lingyi loves food, fashion, and is the mom of the group, which to me sounds similar to Nina. Iris is super stealthy and quiet, the perfect spy, just like Inej. Arun doesn’t play any instruments, but he’s very good at science, as is Wylan, if I remember correctly. Now just imagine if Nina and Inej were canonically dating. (I wish. I like the way their stories ended, but omg, I wish.) Moving on.

On that note, there’s a side f/f couple!! It’s very casually mentioned early on, and toward the end something happens and they’re adorably intimate (not in a sexual way) as they recover. Their coming out is not a plot twist, nor is their sexuality; I just couldn’t think of a better way to phrase that. My point is, I love Lingyi and Iris together.

All of the characters have this way of wiggling their way into your heart as you read. Jason, Lingyi, Iris, Victor, Arun, Daiyu; I love them all. They’re all beautifully complex, realistic, and flawed. Each one had their own personality, their own motivations, and they were a large part of why I loved this book as much as I did.

Jason and his friends are quirky and determined, banded together despite disagreements. Daiyu completely defies all stereotypes surrounding her as the corrupt leader’s daughter, and she surprised me often. Jason and Daiyu’s romance was slow-burn, kind of an enemies to lovers situation, and I loved it.

Also, all of the characters are so badass and most of the time everyone is playing everyone. So much scheming. It’s marvelous.

The ending made me feel things, and did a great job of setting the stage for the sequel. Which, by the way, doesn’t come out until 2019, and I don’t want to wait that long. I want more of this crew and their shenanigans!!

Recommended for fans of Six of Crows! And everything, really. Just read this.

(If the fact that this is the longest review I’ve written in a while doesn’t convince you, I’m not sure what will. I don’t usually have the time or emotions to write long reviews, not anymore.)