“'Top Pick.” A standout YA fantasy debut celebrated for its imaginative scope and craft.”

“The world-building [is] ‘two levels of genius.”

“A “wondrous mix” of fantasy, dystopian, and steampunk that feels perfectly balanced—full of secrets, twists, and an intriguing world you’ll want to keep exploring.”

"A magical, complex world-within-a-world with a heroine who feels real—strong and admirable, without being predictable—plus creatures and societies unlike typical YA trends."

"Rich, deep culture and a non-cliché plot—impressive world-building for a short novella, and a perfect lead-in to Curio."

"A fascinating world with beautifully vivid visuals and an intriguing storyline—especially impressive character development for a novella."

"A sweet, melancholy tale of love, longing, and finding your place—an ideal winter-evening read that invites you to cozy up and get swept away."

"Well-crafted and deeply meaningful, wrapping tender themes—identity, desire, and creativity—inside a frosty, immersive fairy tale."

"A book that immediately pulls you into its world—and the world within it—filled with inventive characters and ideas so compelling it sets an impossibly high bar for everything you read afterward."