It's been a hot minute since I last read middle-grade, but after reading Middlegame and reading the snippets of this book that it contained, I knew I had to read this series. I just adore Seanan's writing style.

Returning to this world, in a sense, felt like coming home again. The writing style and story were so comforting, even if it does differ quite a lot from Middlegame. There are just enough reminders and connections. However, this book (and hopefully the rest of the series) does still stand strongly on its own, and I just know I would have been obsessed with this world when I was younger. Even now, I adored the book, even if it's not my favorite of Seanan's works overall. I think my main issue was that it was perhaps a bit short, but I do think the shortness will fit the story overall, especially once I've read more parts. I feel like this was also a book that was largely focused more on the world and characters so far, rather than the plot, but I do think this might change in the next two books (because of that ending!!)

I'm excited to continue!