Hartman has created a masterpiece. Her world building is subtle but obviously well planned out and considered. She has breathed life into these characters in ways that some authors can only hope to accomplish. Her attention to diversity is so well entangled in the pages of this book that I felt a rush of joy with each chapter, with each page. The plot was driven and the development of the characters was elegant. So many people are asking for queer characters in fantasy. And Rachel Hartman has delivered. Boy, has she delivered.