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Could have used more of the bleak backstory hinted at throughout as a setup to contrast how sweet the rest of the story is. Definitely missing something to be a really great story, and I find it a bit puzzling that it's so influential, that I hear other books occassionally described as "Murderbot Diaries but XYZ". I enjoyed it, though. Something to be said for my queer life and relating to the feelings of a construct that needs to act just right for those considered more human, or be parted out. A bit Empty Spaces, perhaps? I think I'll read the next one.

You took a knight world from 40K, stuck them on a space station, and swapped out their giant robots with designs from Turn-A Gundam, made them joust in them, and in the middle of this engrossing setting and political intrigue, you stuck a young woman with nothing left to lose and turn the entire power structure of the court against her?

Yet another time that I struggle to think of anything that could explain the many-fold modes and emotions this book put me through. I am much gladder to have read it than I ever thought I would be, starting out. I encourage all my queer siblings to sit with this, if they are on stable ground to do so. A titan to wrestle with and embrace in turns, in heart and mind. Will probably have to return to this at a later time.

This month is looking to be remarkably exhausting. this book helped. I liked it a bit less than the first. Is that the fault of the book or my circumstances? who can tell. Abbot delivers exactly what I need.

You know the rest.

I haven't read enough fantasy since I started reading again to say much that can't be disentangled from my reading experience. I will say: I found the characters interesting, their dynamics more so, and the backdrop of the meso-american inspired fantasy captivating. It was so compelling I finished in one sitting. As soon as the book club for this one wraps, I'm starting the sequel.

I was put onto this by the Transfeminine Review, and goodness am I glad. Much of what it has to say about queer community and how it treats trans women is still relevant today, and there are times it felt like my life was put on the page- like someone had read my mind! Maria is a window into our community- its no wonder this was a breakout hit. She's not likeable, at times- just like me and the girls I know aren't. She's genuine and a better character for it, a reflection for the world to see, but more importantly for girls like us to see. It's not quite perfect- its a little overly self conscious and the writing can be emotionally disconnected- but at the same time that's very fitting for what Nevada is trying to be. Definitely recommend

The variety of perspectives at book club was surprising. Other than that; of all the books in the world, it is among them

The duo behind the psuedonym Maria Ying deliver a compelling tale of messed up lesbians embroiled in the politics and violence of a far flung Olympian future. However, following the fandom reaction lead me to believe I was going to experience an even more stark and depraved setting than was provided. Very happy with what I read, excited for more when it comes, but another tally in the "you should never read twitter" column.

Watching Ellie and Homa move through the world, first as young people full of hope, then as disillusioned adults, moving on separate but entertwined paths in life as the ground is swept out from under them, over and over was terribly moving. Once the story got going the pages flicked by faster than I could realize. Two people on the jagged edge of forces totally beyond their control and what they do in the face of it nearly drove me to tears several times. Definitely reccomended.