Objectively speaking, this book has some issues, among them pacing, character development, typographical errors, and a profound misunderstanding of how commas work in relation to dialogue. BUT it's an empowering story of a young girl finding her place and overcoming trauma. There are queer characters, birth control, sex positivity, periods, and MAGICAL HORSES. It's just the thing I needed right now, and I plan to turn to Mercedes Lackey for my escapism needs again and again. I so wish I had read this as a tween.