I really wanted to like this. I thought the system and culture surrounding the beast was fascinating and well thought.  That aspect of the world-building truly fascinated me. I loved the writing and how well the two pov narration worked to build the story.

But reading this book was frustrating and heavy for me. That is pretty much a me thing.  But the highly binary reverse sexism of the matriarchal system really brought me down. It leads to a lot of toxicity in family relations, physical and psychological abuse starting from the very first chapter. And I get that it makes sense relating to the world-building, but it made ut impossible for me to like the main character who is blinded by her own privilige and make sexist and transphobic remarks. It's definitely a me thing.  I need to like the characters to push enjoy reading but that aspect hit too close to home for me to enjoy it.

They are a few plots holes in the second part but I think they may be addressed by book 2. 

All in all a book with amazing creativity and world-building, but which is not suited for me.

This book says its a sci-fi/fantasy, but it's horror. A very dark horror. It's probably one of the most disturbing things I've read in a long time. I honestly can't put together a coherent sentence to describe how I feel about this book. Read at your own risk!

The gist 📚: Surviving inside of space beasts is not easy, especially when you're a member of the working class and risk your life every day to make life on the beast possible in the first place. Seske is the heir to the noble bloodline that rules her people. She has to play her cards carefully if she wants to take over in a few years. When she discovers a fatal secret within the beast, everything changes. 

For readers looking for 💕: Vivid sci-fi worlds, complex friendships, assassination and espionage, creative survivalist societies, something a bit dark, bipoc characters, powerful women, and LGBTQ characters. 

My thoughts 💭: I enjoyed seeing the contrast between the lives of royal Seske and her best friend (and crush) Nyla. The world building in this book is incredibly vivid as well. Maybe not the best read for fairly squeamish people.

Rating: B+