Probably more of a 4.5.


I’ve only read one novella by the author before but found it so beautiful, that I’m not surprised that this short story is also equally wonderful. In so few pages, the author is able to make us feel invested in the two characters and their budding romance, we start believing in their rebellion which wants to overthrow the extremely sadistic imperial authority, and we also understand the basics of the world and the magic system even though they are not always explained completely. It’s just masterful writing and I was totally captivated by it, and I can’t wait to read more of the author’s works. ( )

Is there more somewhere? This one was a good solid read with good world building. A nice blend of fantasy and sci fi that really hit the spot. ( )

An empire that functions because of mages should have motive to coddle them. Two women do not feel coddled. ( )

This is a novel-sized plot squeezed into a short story, but still enjoyable. There's something both hard and delicate about her characters and her writing that I really like. If you like Ann Leckie's Imperial Radch series I think you'll like this. ( )