A YA Dystopian fantasy that really put into perspective real life problems. As a white man, even I was reading this thinking “Blimey, this is so relevant in today’s world”

Jantsia is an amazing character who struggles with not fitting into her social circles due to her heritage and appearance, she also has to lie about her identity at home all while suffering with a “blood sickness”. Following her story of growth and acceptance after scenes where she’s gone to such efforts to fit in with the Azures around her was so good.

Daezen is Jantsia’s best friend Kains’s older brother. Broody, a son who’s stepped up as head of the household after his father’s death. His character arc was also really good to read and I can’t wait to see where his story goes.

Soba’s our other point of view throughout the story, she’s the “bad guy”, strong, athletic, rugged. An inspector whose job it is to find and infiltrate the rebels plans. Her story was heartbreaking. You really felt for her and what she’d been through, helping you understand why and how she’s ended up where she is.

The only trigger warning I noticed that was missing was that grooming has a part to play in this story. It was handled and written well a long with the other plots of discrimination and stereotypes.

Sophia Vahdati has created a world that reflects our current world and its issues with discrimination while putting a dystopian fantasy twist of her own on it. The magic and caste system was fantastic. The idea that your place in the hierarchy is dependant on your eye colour and corresponding power was so well done.

Eager to carry on this story in the next instalment.