In this heartrending trilogy opener. . . . Salter deftly balances the intersectionally diverse characters' grim existence with gleefully gruesome worldbuilding, snarky banter, and fraught queer romance.

Publishers Weekly

Sets the stakes high immediately, and Salter never lets up on the urgency. . . . The four protagonists are deeply sympathetic, with staggering power that they have been forced to yield to others and distinct, relatable motivations to want to live, despite being imperfect in their shared core emotions--even the end of the world can't derail desire, love, and spite.

BCCB

This darkly humorous fantasy trilogy opener, which will appeal to fans of Tamsyn Muir's Locked Room trilogy, starts strong with a fast pace driven by imminent life-or-death stakes, irresistibly self-destructive characters, and absorbing worldbuilding. . . . A grim, engrossing, and captivating fantasy.

Kirkus Reviews

Salter transports readers into a world that's as deadly as it is putrid. . . . The plot is fast-paced, making it hard to put down.

Booklist

Utterly fabulous and darkly imaginative. Complicated, flawed characters shine in a world of grit and bloodshed, all brought to life through effortlessly evocative prose. I devoured every page.

Elise Kova, New York Times bestselling author of ARCANA ACADEMY

A grotesque extravaganza of a book, with a labyrinthine quest and complex, morally grey characters you can't help but root for--no matter how many times they make clear you shouldn't. With utterly unique world-building, a brilliant magic system, and writing that flips from fun and entertaining to heart-wrenching . . . I've never had so much fun.

Bea Fitzgerald, bestselling author of GIRL, GODDESS, QUEEN