The world of the story was meticulously built. Loved Aster. I hadn't read a novel with a POV like hers before, and it felt refreshing and complete. A poignant book, especially when it came to Giselle. I tore through this book. Once I started reading, I didn't want to put it down. I especially appreciated the parallels between Tarlander life and life for slaves in the US - the threat of sexual assault, the innovation (abortions, food, coded maps, etc.), the oral histories, rebellions, passing. I think there is a lot about slavery I didn't learn about in school (or it was rushed over), that I had to research on my own, that was reflected in this book.