This is my second read and my thoughts have changed. I think Deonn does an incredible job at weaving the complications of grief, bondage, oppression, weight of being a strong Black woman, and intergenerational trauma through the plot of this book. I didn’t appreciate those aspects before, but think they were masterfully done. My heart breaks for these characters and all they have to sacrifice and lose because of the antiquated, white supremacist nature of the system they belong to. overall, I’m ready to see how Bree’s story ends—one that hopefully centers more triumph over trauma. I also want happiness for sweet Selwyn Kane.