I fluctuated between 4 and 5 stars all throughout reading this. It was a hefty book, but I was sucked in from the first page. I loved the writing. I loved the world (if a bit confusing at times). I loved all the characters. It was a fascinating story, and there were so many mysteries that kept me on the edge of my seat!

I read this while reading Ijeoma Oluo's book So You Want to Talk About Race, and the way they paired was really moving. As I read this novel, I saw so many threads of what Oluo talked about in her book, and the real impact they have on Black Americans. By the end of this book, I was enthralled in the Bree's rich history, and rooting for her to succeed at every turn.

I did have a few issues with the book--the plot sagged at some points, and all the characters seemed weirdly obsessed with Bree. I also was not a huge fan of the romance. Nick was sweet, sure, but their relationship developed really quickly. There were some moments and insinuations about Nick's character too that had me questioning his goodness (like how he treats Sal, who is a creep sure but has a complicated history that Nick is very aware of).

But also just ... MAGIC. You've gotta love the magic.