I loved the representation and the world. Castles that magically shift according to the royalty’s whims? Luminous foxes that are befriended by shoes? A monastery for trans people? A world built with mobility aids in mind? Yes please! I love the way this book distinguishes between acceptance despite transness and acceptance regardless of transness. And the nuance and contradictions of chronic pain. I found the characters lovable and they get a happy ending. I’m not usually a YA person, but sometimes reading queer YA really heals my inner queer kid that never truly got to exist. 

My notes while reading: 

I love snarky chaos characters so much. “Take it from someone who talks too much” *kills the guys while he’s monologuing* “you talk to much”

*mid battle* What’s the word for fucker in this language? *makes best attempt* is later corrected with the right word because what he says means antaloupe. “Ah, I believe I am starting to understand your frustrations with my language”

Like Witcher if despite being badass, the vampires were even more badass.

Like even the “well fuck” is so Witcher 🤭

Can’t say I love you. Just says fuck you instead.

Like, he’s a badass reaper and then the vampires are just all *you fragile, we protect you” and he resents them for it even if he secretly loves it.

Lady Song kicking ass again. 

Edit: reread it and this is still one if my favorite books. I love a disaster bisexual and his two vampires that have adopted him.

I loved Noemi. She’s fierce and bright and a force of nature. The author weaves this story well. I hate to say it, but I started to doubt Noemi in the middle. It got me too. The story gets a tad slow right in the middle, but the ending is like rolling down a steep hill. I was right on the edge of my seat. And most importantly, it ends hopeful.