you know how sometimes people will mention a comp title and then you read it and go ‘….yeah I guess?’ that’s usually how I feel when people tell me something has studio ghibli vibes. it’s never quite exactly right. 

except this book. this exceeded every expectation I had in leaps and bounds. the writing, vibes, storytelling, world building, political intrigue, all of it was VERY ghibli. 

at times it felt middle grade but then as our FMC grew up the ya kicked in more. ALSO if you are someone who needs romance be warned there is literally not a drop in here, WHICH I ACTUALLY LOVED? 

I could see the start of one potential relationship for book 2 but it was a subtle as a fly fart in the wind. a blink and you miss it moment. 

Elin is up there with one of my favorite characters of all time. crossing my fingers there is no character assassinations in book 2!!