Sci-fi stories aren’t usually my thing because they often have terminology or systems that get complicated. Luckily, this book didn’t have that. It did have a lot of politics, which is even less of my thing than sci-fi stuff. I’ve got massive respect for the author with the complex worlds and systems though. I enjoyed the mysteries, secrets, and the payoffs were good.

The miscommunication trope is strong with this one, but Kiem and Jainan’s personalities compliment each other well. There were times I got frustrated because they were clearly dancing around what each other meant because they actually couldn’t understand they were on the same page. It was adorable and endearing! Jainan was the cinnamon roll in this relationship with Kiem being the surprisingly confident one. I do like how the author balanced their personalities. That was probably my favorite element.

I’ll admit that the politics, government structures, and planet customs confused me many times. But that’s why I don’t read many sci-fi novels. The book’s blurb just sounded really good and I had hoped it would be less politics. There were also areas where I would’ve liked just a little more description. Since so many worlds and different customs or practices kept appearing, I felt like I lost a bit of the visual element somehow. That could be because I was trying hard to keep up with the government stuff, mystery plotline, and all the customs that were presented.

This was still a very good book! I’m at least going to check out the sequel, though I don’t know if I’ll continue it.