May cut too close to modern reality for some readers at times
I liked this story more than her first book. The dystopian storyline may not be everyone's cup of tea right now and this one rubs up close or overlaps with aspects of current reality depending on where you live in the world. I'm not used to reading books in this genre when they're not 'ripped from the headlines' necessarily but also don't feel like a distant possible future; it's a bit more unsettling and less escapist reading. The dark themes may trigger some readers; that may be a given. There is however humor and some lighter feel good moments to offset the drama and darker stuff.
Main characters Cynda and Kadija are fun to follow around; the cat and mouse scenes with each of them believing themselves to be the cat in that scenario are entertaining reading. Kadija is beyond fish out of water when on Cynda's turf and Cynda is frequently underestimated by several characters, to their detriment. There are some endearing secondary characters and quirky ones who are easy to imagine. Chapter endings are often written in such a way that you want to continue reading into the next chapter and beyond.

I appreciate author Wrenn's contrast of so-called 'civilization' with the woods where Cynda lives. The intriguing powers possessed by various characters and their exploitation in part thanks to research funding and corrupt negotiations, with wealthy donors steering or dictating the direction and focus of research provides ample food for thought in modern day. I don't think I've ever read a book with such a high focus on smell and scent but it adds dimension to the reading and may heighten the reader's own olfactory awareness along the way. The ending and resolution are shorter compared to the long build up to get there and some readers may question whether justice was served in the end; a few minor questions lingered in my mind when I finished the story but that may be intentional to enhance the uncertainty of the dystopia. Although the story is set in part in Appalachia, the settings could have just as easily been in numerous other parts of the USA or other countries so it feels like a 'could be happening in my backyard' kind of tale again adding to that dystopic feel.

I'm not a big reader of dystopian stories, especially lately, but I read thru this one quickly in a matter of days with several very long reading sessions of 'just one more chapter' happening on repeat. If you want unconventional characters in a slow simmer slow burn romance and don't mind dark themes in your reading material, give this one a read and check out Wrenn's first book as well particularly if you're in academia.

What can I possibly say to convey how much I loved this book! It is a sapphic dystopian story yet deeply resonated with the times we live in today. A terrifying glimpse of what we may be heading towards in a way only Ana K. Wren can express. It is an unfolding love story struggling and surviving in the most difficult of times. It is a glimpse into the experiences of highly sensitive people, told through a story we can all sink into and surface with an even deeper understanding of ourselves and others. It is a lesson in trusting our own intuition, our gut feelings, and how we can balance and refuel when we’ve given too much. It is a reminder to keep hope alive and remember that even in the darkness, the light will shine again. These lessons are in between the lines of this story and are understood at a more subtle, yet visceral level. These are the elements that touched me deeply and left me in gratitude and respect for Ana’s ability to tell a story that resonates on multiple levels while touching on difficult topics and evoking emotions throughout.

The main characters have depth and invite the reader in to gain a deeper understanding of their life experiences that have brought them to where they are. The relationship between Cynda and Kadija is complicated and poses a threat to the isolated world Cynda has created for herself, her safety, her sanity. When Kadija arrives at her secluded refuge in the forest she brings with her the past Cynda has worked so hard to leave behind. She has no desire to venture out into the world that has caused her such pain and where violence and hatred has taken root.

Kadija is a freedom fighter, a warrioress. She is committed to the fight against the people in power that would rather see her and those like her dead. She is a woman of color, a highly sensitive woman and a representation of all that they want to use and destroy. Her mission is to bring Cynda back with her to stand against the destructive research institute that Cynda was part of and escaped years ago.

As their connection deepens and attraction builds, will they survive what awaits them as they journey back to civilization?

5 stars is not enough when rating this book. It is a must read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Ylva and Ana K. Wren for the arc. I am honored to leave my honest review.