A really good one. It took me a bit to get into it, but about halfway through, the humor really cuts in and it was easy going the rest of the way. Definitely dark, but Bonedog is a sweetheart, the grumpy/sunshine old ladies go off into the sunset, and the demon hen will continue to rule. I realise this makes no sense to anyone who has read the book, but I don’t care. Don’t name your demons, kids. But naming cursed chickens is fine. 

A great conclusion to the duology. I’m still at an utter loss to describe how beautiful Rebecca Ross writes about writing and love. 

I mean… 
“Write me a story where there is no ending… write to me and fill my empty spaces.” 

Clearly I need a partner who can write because this is damn gorgeous 

So not what I pictured. It strikes me as more of a Great War love story with magical realism where the war is between gods than an outright fantasy book. But the letters, and the writing, and the love between the two main characters is so beautiful and palpable. I’d love to learn more about the war and the gods in the next book, but for now, I’m just thankful to have read the beautiful prose in this book. There are truly some stellar, deep thoughts communicated in the letters, and the humanity and love in them is vital. 

I really love books about Greek gods, ok? I love that this world also has gods of all other pantheons existing in different places, as well. And the main character feels very relatable. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

So, so good. This is definitely an effective use of the enemies-to-lovers trope, and the story is great. I hate miscommunication, but considering the game the characters are playing, it does make sense that it’s happening. Doesn’t mean I don’t hate that cliffhanger. THEY MUST BE TOGETHER. 
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Okay… what the actual hell just happened?
So good but then the last couple of chapters devastated me, and now I’m just confused. WHAT IS REAL??
Did not see the twist coming, which I assume is intentional, but it also came out of absolutely nowhere and felt entirely disconnected from the characters we’ve grown to know and like the entire book. That was really frustrating.
I also had to reread certain parts to make sure I was clear about what was happening. Either the writing skipped around a bit, or the author just assumed we knew everything she did… either way, it didn’t detract from the story, per sé, but it did make the book a bit less enjoyable. 
🌶️🌶️🌶️

I had no idea what I was getting into with this book. It definitely was not what I was expecting, but I also don’t think I realised how much I was going to enjoy it once I started. The FMC has a fabulous internal dialogue that feels very real and is also darkly funny. The central relationship is clearly toxic, which isn’t great. But I still can’t wait for the second book to come out. 
🌶️🌶️🌶️

I am shocked by how such a funny book made me cry so much. The main character is so relatable, and the depiction of her depression and how she copes with her trauma and her own transgressions feel so, so real. I love how the book also encourages empathy so well, even for those of us who have done us harm. Acknowledging that people have flaws but are all dealing with their own world-altering shit that we don’t see on a daily basis is a reminder we could all use. 

The writing is just not grabbing me. I keep stopping and starting and making it less and less far each time. I’ll try another time, maybe. But right now it’s not doing it for me, and the writing style is probably just going to feel more grating if I push myself. 

Why am I crying at a robot wanting to be remembered by a baby? Why do a monk and a robot asking existential questions about purpose and life make me feel so whole and so empty at the same time? Why is Becky Chambers such an inexplicably incredibly author? These books are essential reading.