I've been writing too many bad reviews lately, but this book hardly seems to have any bad reviews, despite the fact it was extremely problematic. So a bad review it's going to get.

The writing is overall good, the worldbuilding creative if a bit poorly executed, I loved Iriyat, I liked the magic system, and the characters are vegetarian. It would have been rated much higher if it weren't for. . . .

1. When you have a price on your head and you need to get out of the city quick, don't stand around with aphobic gossip.
These fools of protagonists, instead of escaping the city, have to discuss "hey did you know this woman isn't interested in sex?" "Golly gee, what a weird idea. Are you sure? OMG, I've never heard anything so weird. I wonder what's wrong with her." (Okay, that's not exactly what they said, but that's the gist of it.)

2. Why is the whole plot hinging upon Alizhan rescuing a guy who tried to kill her?

3. Ev is a Mary Sue
Her only trait to speak of is that she is "good hearted".

4. The worldbuilding is poorly executed.
The author did not put enough thought into her world. Does it even rain? I never did get that question answered.

5. The romance is stupid.
About two hours after they meet properly, Alizhan has to inform Ev that "we can't be together", a refrain that has to be repeated roughly every two or three chapters.

6. The worldbuilding has shockingly traditional gender roles.
In a world with interesting physical attributes and religions, everyone sure puts up a fuss about a girl having short hair or wearing pants. Also, everyone is cisgender.

So, I think that about sums the book up.

I already knew most of what this book taught, and the poor formatting and constant use of "he or she" got on my nerves, but otherwise it was okay.

4 stars

Not quite as good as Heartstopper, but still good. Oliver and Henry the dog were really cute.

TRIGGER WARNINGS: Eating disorders, self-harm, mention of past bullying.