This could be a great book, but even though the world building is interesting, as well as the characters, the plot points are just boring. Every problem sums up to the same thing and is kind of resolved in the same way. There's a lot of running around, hiding and using magic without really knowing what you're doing. That's that. I don't think any of the characters come out as witty or dexterous or, whatever, just stubborn and lucky (plot armor).

The friendship between Xhea and Shai is fun, though, and is what kept me reading, but it's not enough.

This book sucks: cheesy writing, boring cliché characters. It's like a bad, bad vampire movie.

There are two racially and ethnically insensitive terms on the first page and a half. I didn't need to go any further. I'm disappointed that what could have been a lovely message from the author also contained language that communities have loudly and clearly asked us all not to use, and certainly not while making an income.

I just can't recommend this one. I was looking for a cultural review of the concept of happiness, and instead got a bunch of unsubstantiated stereotypes. There are some cute anecdotes? Continuing to portray Bhutan as happy in tandem with their massive ethic cleansing is a no-go. That's just one example- other reviewers have pointed out harmful and inaccurate narratives in other sections of the book.

I started off the book thinking "yes, girl, shout that louder" about the paucity of research regarding psychotropic meds. A lot of what she says is clear and valid and then... oh wow.. suddenly the rest of the book discredited all her good points in the beginning. She's anti vax and anti mask and that was enough for me.

Creepy, with poor personal boundaries.