The beginning made me think I was actually going to throw up / be sick for a little while, there's so much to write but I don't want anymore thoughts or energy to go into it. The blurb was good, the book wasn't - under-developed and not executed well. Too much fell flat and felt hurried through.

DNF at 25% I just can't seem to get past the whole sex with a minor setup. Also the book is incredible dull. Maybe it's the audio book narrator or the writing style, but I find it so boring and a chore to get through. I found myself avoiding my audio book app to avoid having to listen to this, so obvs it's time to DNF it. To those who have finished it: Does Butler explain if this weird sex thing also applies to babies and toddlers? If not how do they get fed?

Fantasy, action, romance, court room drama and an interesting discussion of important topics like relationships and family, racism, life choices, sexuality and freedom. Though every of the named aspects were done well, I liked the human conflict much more than the action-centered bits. That alone would have made a great book and the parts were the Ina community and their polyamorous lifestyle as well as other aspects of their existence were discussed were my favourites. Especially the very atmospheric beginning, portraying painful as well as sensual moments brilliantly, hooked me a lot. Following Shori learning about herself and her people was wonderful, I almost didn't need the murder plot. I thought the bad guys were too obviously bad which took the excitement from the investigation, but apart from that the novel was skillfully crafted and there was a lot to each character to make them unique and feel real.