Maybe it was all the gem talk (okay and the worldbuilding and queer rep) but I was strongly reminded of Linsey Miller's Mask of Shadows! Also maybe some Truthwitch vibes. I was a little put off by the cover, if I'm being honest, but I was hooked right away by Johnston's powerful writing--she really captured that breathtaking atmosphere that comes with telling a story so legendary. I'm also obsessed with that question of what happens after the "happy ending," and I love when authors completely defy tropes, so was excited to find this story. I'm definitely intrigued to see how Johnston answers my question!