Ok, so this is, without question, one of the best books I've read this year. It has everything you could want out of a book of its kind: magic, secrets, libraries, sex, moral uncertainty, philosophy, murder (?), bad people, people of questionable character - you get the gist. I'm still kind of in shock that Olivie Blake self-published this book; not because self-publishing isn't a viable way to get your work in the world, but because someone should have said to her along the way, "You have to get this into as many people's hands as possible." Perhaps they did. Regardless, I'm unbelievably excited that Tor picked it up for official publication.

The thing I think I love most about this book is the way the magic works within the bounds of the real world. Blake's magic system is based in scientific logic, and it's wrapped up in real lines of philosophical and scientific inquiry. It also works so well because of the characters who wield it. As with any good work of dark academia, these characters are complicated and verging on bad. But they all have just enough redeeming qualities as to be compelling, and their powers are equally so. This book is excellently plotted and excellently written. I am so excited for the sequel.