This was one of the most original fairy tale-inspired books I’ve read in quite a while! I really enjoyed Bashardoust’s first novel, and this one had the same originality and beauty. I loved the Persian influences in the story, and I really appreciated Bashardoust’s notes in the end describing the Persian stories she was inspired by. The world building in this book was lush and detailed; it felt like a world I could step into. I loved how the characters were so fully realized. It was hard to find a character who was wholly good or evil. The complexities within each character made them seem all the more real. If anyone is looking for a richly magical book full of heart and courage, this is the book!!