3.5 stars.

Definitely a gray/less-acknowledged area that needed more representation, though I'm not positive it's completely accurate: Alex seemed more genderfluid/nonbinary than trans, from my understanding of the terms. (Though of course labels should ultimately be determined by the individual themself.)

1.5 stars.

The plot was okay and at least made sense — it did get me to finish the book — but I honestly actively disliked literally all the characters, who were all insipid and self-absorbed yet judgmental. For a so-called psychological thriller, I found it somewhat boring.

Sophos (Sounis) is cute, but I miss having Gen as the central figure. I love how Eddis is the intended audience for both this and the fiest book; the different relationships between each pairing of characters (Gen/Attolis and Helen/Eddis; Gen and Irene/Attolia; Gen and Sophos/Sounis; Eddis and Attolia; Sophos and Eddis) is so crucial to how the story plays out, and I love it.

This was a really cute book! I love epistolary narratives, and all of the characters really came to life. Nothing extraordinary or revolutionary, but sweet and fluffy.

It's a lot like the realistic-fiction books I've been reading so many of lately; it was predictable, but most books (especially in this genre!) are. Decent writing, and it was easy to stay interested (if not wholly invested) in the narrative. The drama and indecision weren't super compelling, but I think it worked pretty well.