This magnificent novel revolves around what must be the strangest love story ever told. In this future, a number of enclaves of Fields have been saved from nuclear Armageddon that has raveged Earth. These enclaves are the property of cadres of religious Sisters. There are no males allowed in the enclaves; in fact, there may be no more males left alive in Europa, the only viable continent left after the Fallout. In gripping stained-glass prose Quin describes the claustrophobic atmosphere of the cloister, the horrifying self-denial of this unnamed all-female religion, and the sado-masochistic nature of the central triangular relationship between three Sisters, one of whom can only find solace from constant heartbreak with a female coydog (wild co-mixture of coyotes and wild dogs, who seem like the only animals to survive the Fallout) and her littler. Despite (or perhap because of) the claustrophobic nature of the cloister the intensity of intimate emotions Quin lays out for us are exquisitely moving. In her genius, she also manages to include scenes both chaste and deeply erotic. This is a novel of big ideas, bigger questions, and prescient, thoughtful conclusions. The finale of the novel is both heart-rending and exalting. Quite a feat of legerdemain.

Massive thanks to both Atria and NetGalley for early access to this book.

I loved this. The way the 'bones' of this book were structured was so elegant -- an isolated Novitiate with only one friend seeks to find meaning in herself, her studies, and her emotions by being torn away from that friend -- that it made for a fabulous character study. Igraine, the main character, though quiet and shy and self-critical, was never boring or flat. In fact, part of the reason I loved this book so much was because this was such an in-depth look into her character, what kept her functioning, and how she would function when her normalcies were taken away from her one by one. The worldbuilding past Igraine was also stunning. I loved the epigraphs at the beginnings of each chapter and how they provided glimpses into life before, during, and after the Fallout. My only wish with this book is that we got to see more from the Lunar Abbey; though Igraine's hesitancy to find her place there is central to her character, it's mentioned so frequently and revered so highly among the students that an up-close and personal look into it would have been fascinating.

Will definitely be purchasing this title once it releases. I loved this book, its setting, its characters, and its themes. Cannot recommend this enough for those who love an introspective, character-driven novel.

Thanks again to Atria and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this early.