I jumped head first into this fantasy novella and was not at all disappointing. Following a “nonbinary refugee practitioner of blood magic,” we join Firuz as they attempt to parse through the deadly disease ravaging their new home. With excellent pacing, an intriguing magic system, and carefully layered world-building, THE BRUISING OF QILWA is, quite simply, impossible to put down once you start reading it. I wanted to know what would happen to these characters, how it all connected, and what the end result of the slight mystery would be. Plus, it’s a daring exploration of the complexities of immigration and the pinpricks of xenophobia. I’m looking forward to more work from this author!