Paradoxes are the universe’s reminder that there aren’t any answers. Just questions. And what’s more fascinating than a question?

This is one of those novels that read a lot like a travelogue for a made-up world, combined with a classic coming of age narrative. Despite being set in a high-tech sci-fi world, there's a distinct fantasy vibe. In part, it is because the MC comes from a more "high fantasy" type of longevous elves society. In bigger part, I feel, it's because of the overall structure and vibe of the book.

Sediryl was a pretty good conduit to experience the diverse, intricate Peltedverse. She's very young and inexperienced and sometimes does stupid things, but she's insatiably curious and always willing to learn and grow. That's something that quickly endeared me to her from the first few chapters. Still, for a big part of the book I felt like her function was more that of a lens for the reader to study the world through; then, at some point, her personal arc got a lot more meaning and her character gained depth.

Overall, the pacing was a bit patchy, fluctuating between slow, thoughtful explorations of the multicultural society and fast-developing personal relationship. Also, I think that for M.C.A. Hogarth the ellipsis is what an em dash is for me, and I respect that! But I also have to admit I'm feeling incredibly done with ellipses after reading this book. They were everywhere!