The start of this story had so much promise, but I failed to get hooked into the world as it progressed. For some reason, the feeling of dread, discomfort  and suspense that the author tried to evoke failed to jump off the page. It may be a me thing, but I left this feeling nothing but disappointment.

Grace Dravin hits every time. If you like stories that are more fantasy than romance, definitely give this a try.

I personally didn't connect with any of the characters, and felt the Empire was a shallow, but otherwise had a fantastic time.

The third act conflict was so stupid, it ruined the rest of the book for me. I'm so disappointed.

I wanted to like this book so badly. After struggling at the start, I soon found myself invested in the world and in Xingyin's journey.

However, as we progressed, I found the way it engaged with political and moral issues to be undercooked? Even juvenile maybe? Considering the YEARS of training and high quality education Xingyin received, there seemed to be no indication of growth or depth to her. It felt a little YA to me — not in a bad way, but in that it was so simplistic.

Knowing I have another book after this one, I dediced to cut my losses and DNF'd at 46%.

trying to explain she would be safe LIVING with him as an employee while simultaneously imagining ripping her jeans off. yikes, the vibes are not vibing

So weird and so fun. The world and the characters within it are more than a little unsettling, but you can't help but love them for it. Bennett has crafted a rich, strange setting, and thrown an intricate murder mystery in the middle of it.

If you love mysteries, I think this could be a solid 5. 

The plot and writing style weren't anything extraordinary, but I loved Vel and Markel too much to care. This book is a mix of trauma healing and character exploration, with a thin veneer of (violent) political mystery.

I fuck with an author who comes up with queer-friendly fantasty settings, even if the ideologies are as subtle as a traffic cone. If you like contemporary/historical romance, I'd recommend this if typical romantasy isn't your style. ❤️

This book is immensely silly, in a good way. I had to set it down and just laugh at the hijinks multiple times throughout reading.

Fun, sweet, with believable instalove (they can nerd out about birds!!) -- highly recommend.