I love a book in verse.  Particularly ya novels written by amazing authors such as this one about topics that many of us truly experience at a young age.  It's the lyrical and hard-hitting feeling of these lines that really resonated with me, particularly about a topic that so many of us, no matter what our gender is, understand.  

Samira is Sudanese living in DC.  Her mother wants nothing more than to protect her from the alarming amount of harm that could happen in this country that feels so different to her.  As many mothers do, she winds up alienating Samira, so when real problems do begin to happen, she feels as though she has nowhere to turn.

This story that unravels throughout this book is juxtaposed with some very beautiful thoughts on the myth of Persephone and her relationship with Hades , the underworld, and her mother.  This ancient tale feels more relevant than ever being spun through Samira's story.  Less about the girl and her desires and so much focus on the mother's reaction and Hade's controlling nature.  In this case, we do get the tale from the girl's side of the story.  

When a man, Horus, enters Samira's life, she feels so much at once and doesn't quite understand or have the ability to clearly see the red flags.  I felt a deep connection with Samira's honest character and definitely recommend this one! 

Out January 6, 2024!

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!