First of all, the cover. The black background makes the tree stand out more, and with both green and autumn leaves, it gives the feeling of an approaching change. "... Tests the boundary between science and immortality." Okay, this is the line in the summary that hooked me. Does Varya really defeat death? What's the price? If she knows- if all the characters know- when they'll die, how does that affect their relationships? So many question, I can't wait to read this book.