4.99999/5*

My only complaint is that some parts in the middle dragged and I feel like this book could have either been cut down a wee bit, or split into two books with some added padding. I could see the split being somewhere around finding the Diviner settlement. We could perhaps spend a bit more time somewhere in the beginning with Mama Agba learning about all the different forms magic can take, how the clans work(ed) and go more in depth about each of the gods. As it is, I don't think we learn the names of the clans in the narrative, only in the guide at the beginning, and Oya is the only God whose name I remember. Sure, this being a series means we may get to explore this more later on, but I wish it was already present, so I could start feeling a connection of my own to the Gods and this magic system. I think if this book had been split in two parts, we could have been exploring this already, and it would have expanded the world greatly.

BUT OTHER THAN THAT HOLY SHIT?? This book is amazing and I can't wait to read more, what a cliffhanger, dang. I don't have much to nitpick other than wishing there was a bit more worldbuilding, and a time or two where Tzain went from being complex in his conflicting actions, to feeling inconsistent.

I can't say this book got me emotionally(but the author's note did) but damn if it didn't get me on the edge of my seat.