The cover art drew me in from the first glimpse. Very beautiful colors that set the tone right away. From the first few lines of the story, what stood out to me the most was the main character's voice, which does well to show the reader what kind of person she is (pragmatic, haughty, and a bit disgruntled by the circumstances she's forced to work in.) The personalities and dynamics of the other characters (Ren, Cloud, Lotus) were also well shown in this excerpt, letting me grow attached to them quickly.
Other than the characters, I loved the subtle worldbuilding of the empire (for example, the importance of the rogue star beside the empress'). From just this first glimpse, I'm eager to read on and learn more about this world.
Other than the characters, I loved the subtle worldbuilding of the empire (for example, the importance of the rogue star beside the empress'). From just this first glimpse, I'm eager to read on and learn more about this world.