It’s 5 stars because I’ve never read a book quite like it. 

I came for the love triangle - which was professed to be an ACTUAL triangle with all three characters ACTUALLY in love. I will say that I found that aspect of the book to be lacking (a little!) simply because we only get to see the perspective of one of the characters and the book is told from first person POV. But the point is, who cares about the love triangle??? This book is an extremely compelling page turner. It took me through a torrent of emotions, sorrow and rage for girls and women everywhere, delight at the magical technology that’s just SO COOL, literally swooning for two love interests at once, cheering on the savage and totally justified violence of the core cast. Wu Zetian is the best YA protagonist I’ve met in a long time. 

This book is incredible, what a way to kick off 2022.