“Take this image home to your loved ones. Let it serve as a reminder that there is no step I will not take to protect you and your honourable service from thieves and deceivers.”

CW: Emetophobia.

The story features an interesting stone-based magic system that isn’t explained in detail because its knowledge (and the stones themselves) is guarded by a fascist regime controlled by a god-like figure.

The most jarring element is the head-hopping; POVs change every couple of paragraphs which makes for an awkward pacing. There were a couple of consecutive scenes of people doused and slipping in their own vomit that were too much. Not that even one is necessary but I’d say one is enough to convey the message, whatever that is.

The characters didn’t work for me either, and you should know by now I’m a character guy. Just to mention some of them:

Petor is a pathetic version of Glotka (The First Law) but lacks his wit and wisdom; he’s just a bully. Petor is just part of a triad of POV characters that showcase every toxic masculinity trait.

Jeff is head of the guard. His stoic nature is endearing to most female characters in the book, perhaps because he’s discreet about his misogyny. His number one priority is his job but he is awful at it too.

The third one is Renia’s friend with benefits, Dail. He is described by Renia as bright and “devilishly handsome”, but I couldn’t see any of the qualities that attracted her to him. Dail is a “nice guy” who has lived in privilege and believes he deserves anything he wants. He is the most misogynist of them all and his fate (although painted as epic) was underwhelming and rushed.

Renia ruins everything she touches but is still some type of chosen one. It’s like she is being rewarded for all her bad decisions and I couldn’t root for her. A corruption arc would have made her more interesting.

The only character I liked was an autistic-coded murderess. Although I’m not okay with the stalking of her crush, I found her funny. Her motivations and where her loyalties lie remain unclear as that information is reserved for future books in the series.

Most of the dark themes didn’t feel like an exploration but like they were included for shock value. There’s not much in terms of plot, and I’ve already listed some of my grievances with the characters. On the good side, there are Mistborn influences and the world feels unique. I seem to be in the minority in not liking this book, but I wouldn’t recommend it.