This is one of the best books that I have read in a while. Definitely my favorite so far this year. The pacing was perfect, and the characters felt real and lovable, each one different in their own ways. I think the build of the relationship was perfect, and I would also definitely want to know these characters in real life. I appreciated exploring the themes of found family and loneliness. Even outside of the fantasy elements, there was so much of Nhika's story felt relatable and familiar. The descriptions were vibrant and I felt like Theumas was a real city. This would make an amazing movie if it was created by the animators who did Across the Spiderverse. The twists at the end really solidified my love for this book. Even as someone who understands story structure and can usually see things coming, I was still surprised to find out the true motivations behind the scenes. I can't even believe there was a way to make a sequel in this story but Vanessa Le found a way! I can't wait for the next installment.