magnificent. beautiful. awe-inspiring. everything i could have hoped for in a sequel to the gorgeous story that was crier's war. varela's graceful prose tells the story of crier, ayla, and all of zulla with so much emotion, not to mention with a plot that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. i'm in love with the worldbuilding, the pacing, the characters, and the fact that so many queer characters and characters of colour exist in this story not for their identity to be used as a plot device, but just for the sake of existing. of bringing an already beautiful novel to new heights in every interaction, in every time i saw myself and my thoughts or feelings reflected on a page. and that climax and ending? could not have asked for more. made me very soft and happy. :)