This was a phenomenal read. A South Asian apocalyptic science fantasy that lends us to floating cities with the remains of humanity. It also had some interesting dark academia elements that I enjoyed. This book excels at deeply complex characters with complicated relationships and internal turmoil related to their morals, loyalty, and conflicting goals. 

The book follows two POVs, Iravan and his wife, Ahilya. Personally, Ahilya read as the main character to me. She has a well-rounded world with romantic, platonic and familial relationships as well as ongoing conflict with the systems and institutions of the city. While the POVs are even throughout, Iravan’s POV is primarily dominated by the “mystery” and magic elements of the book, while Ahilya’s POV has more variety. 

Any book that is 500+ pages and makes me sit for an entire evening just to finish it, is a 5-star read in my book. 

This book was September’s Alliterative Titles selection for the Diversify Your Reading book club. Join us here: https://bookclubs.com/join-a-book-club/club/diversify-your-reading-2