read for NEWTs 2019 readathon: Divination, A - a white book

I think this may be a new favorite????? I'm truly blown away this book (and sleep deprived since I stayed up until nearly 2 am to finish it). I found the writing style slightly off-putting at first. But by about 20 pages, I was completely absorbed into the story and falling in love with all of these characters.

This book had so much to love. A magical world with intricate politics and colonial overtones that are directly addressed by our main character. Deeply developed side characters. Incredible social and political commentary. A wonderful sense of humor. Lovely LGBTQ+ rep. PLUS: our three main characters have stolen my heart. Serene-Heart-in-the-Chaos-of-Battle is a badass elf from a matriarchal society constantly giving insights into the literal reverse sexism of her people (and making me laugh so hard). Luke Sunbourn is a literal golden hero who is just a sweet baby boy trying to find himself in the midst of being this perfect champion. And darling little snarky mean and cunning Elliot Schafer, a pacifist in a war torn land whose humor is a cutting defensive mechanism for a child who just desperately yearns to be loved. Oh my god I cried so much as Elliot grew and matured and fell in and out of love and began to become a man. And Serene and Luke had wonderful character development and were allowed to blossom out of the fantasy tropes they first represented.

I did not expect to fall so deeply in love with this book, but here I am absolutely smitten <3