Notorious Sorcerer

There's a lot of complexity here. The worldbuilding is top-notch, without many shortcuts: social strata viewed from more than one side, foreigners from all over with culture and languages and everything that feel consistent and realistic even when they're only mentioned in passing. Honestly this feels like a technical masterpiece in so many ways: there are a lot of moving parts and they all meet up like some sort of complex knotwork; lots of characters, with proper arcs and everything, but introduced at a rate and in a manner that keeps them easy to keep track of; some of the best-done character voices I've seen; perspective-hopping showcasing things (characters, situations, social classes, privilege) from different sides in a way that feels easy and natural. It's just... really well done.

It's also just a fun read. Engrossing, left me wanting more.

Selling points: fun, fast-paced, great worldbuilding, casual bisexuality …

This was the most fun I have had reading a book in a very long time. Years, probably. This book is a thrill-ride in all the right ways. The characters are often charming and witty (the good ones, at least), and the antagonists are properly threatening. It's a high stakes adventure that keeps a mostly fast pace that keeps you interested. Definitely one of my favorite books from 2022 and will probably be one of my favorite reads from 2023.

I ended up liking this but I was pretty confused for a while, I think the worldbuilding has some holes in it that you're just expected to fill in yourself.

Full disclosure: I've known the author for a bajillion internet years (this is an actual measurement of time) and she sent me an ARC.

I can't even tell you how fun this was - cosy tropes encased in beautiful language and FEELS, because obviously. Mage from the slums who can do 'impossible' things, because he hasn't been taught they're impossible. Should-be debutante who instead hangs out with the lower classes and gets her eyes opened to social and class injustice. A fight against prejudice and authoritarianism.

BUT ALSO, inter- and extra-planar shenanigans, a cracking pace, a delicious romance (FEELS), and a sidekick I did not see coming.