Honest about where we are and hopeful for where we can go. This is a book about community building, and therefore squiring power, to change the world for the better. We live in an incredibly broken society in the USA, and it’s easy to loose hope. This book is a reminder that though it is an uphill battle, it is a battle that can be fought and won. We have to remember why we fight— for everyone to be able to live and love and thrive, to be known and to know others, to be supported by and offer support to the community we build around ourselves. Anyone looking to organize should read this book and take notes.

I am not a fan of myth retellings. That’s pretty much my only qualm with this book. This is a pretty interesting retelling of beauty and the beast, full of horror and spice. And the ending is quite the twist, too. I’m just the type of person that cringed at every familiar trope. I almost quit reading at the library. It’s a testament to the writing that I finished it. If you enjoy books inspired by beauty and the beast and horror, this is a great book. It’s just not my cup of tea. But I hope it’s true fans find it and show it all the appropriate love. 

This is a very accessible book. The language is easy and the pace is quick. It’s an interesting world for anyone dipping their toes into the fantasy realm. I was left with a lot of questions that I hope get answered in another book.

A cast of characters who are hurt and who often misunderstand the hurts of other. This is a book about being human, about coping with loss and tragedy, disability and mental illness, about hoping for a better world and shaping what you can of the world into something better. It is sad (my favorite character died). And I am so glad I read it. Gender nonconformity is not front and center here, but it is casually accepted. Gay marriage is honored even if the laws forbid it, even if society is against it. It tackles many other things and just allows them to exist in the messy conundrum of humanity.

I am a sucker for tlc. Anxiety ridden boy with my only the best intentions and the occasional show of resolve and strength being taken care of by his guards who are loyal because he’s, at his core, a good person? Yea ok. I’ll read the heck out of it and love every second and maybe cry a little when it’s over.

I love this book so much. Chaos characters are my favorite and Kiem fits the bill. I love the friendship and then some that he builds with Jainan. I love Bel and how she doesn’t take Kiem’s BS. The universe is fascinating and I love the politics at play in the plot. It was intriguing and it hit me in the feels.

I love chaos characters. And so I definitely loved this books. The characters are so engaging. The plot moves quickly and I love the universe it’s set in.