CW: gore, mutilation

First off, the cover of this novel is GORGEOUS. I love the contrast of the frost and the roses, and Laylee looks great front and center.

As for the story itself, I really enjoyed it. It was a unique, fun companion to Furthermore, which I also enjoyed when I read it last year. I loved Laylee and I think her character arc was done very well. I was glad to see Alice and Oliver again, too.

The concept of a mordeshoor is fascinating. Laylee’s job was a little grotesque from time to time, and the consequences of letting spirits out of bounds were as well, but I liked reading about it. Definitely one of the most unique forms of magic I’ve seen in a novel.

However, I must say that in places, the plot did fall flat. I thoroughly enjoyed the first half, though the main conflict was resolved unexpectedly early and left nearly half the novel for a plot I didn’t entirely understand. The second half was entertaining, but much slower and a bit scattered. The final thirty pages saved the story, and although I’d happily read any other books Tahereh wrote in this world with these characters, I was also quite happy with how everything wrapped up.

Whether or not you’ve read Furthermore, this is a whimsical novel that I’d very much recommend.