Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

4.5 stars!

Although this started out a bit slower (and it took me a bit before I figured out the various terms that the characters used), once things started going, I was drawn into the plot and I couldn't put the book down. This book had everything I love going for it - original and great worldbuilding, slightly shady government practices, witty banter, and memorable characters. The basic situation reminded me a lot of Pacific Rim, what with giant sea creatures emerging to wreck havoc on the coast. I want to know more about the Leviathans though, which I am hoping will be expounded on further in the sequels, especially regarding the fact that (view spoiler)[they have faces and are potentially trying to say something (hide spoiler)]??? While I imagine that the next book will focus on another mystery/murder, I am a ho for more worldbuilding and related development as well.

One of the things I really liked about the worldbuilding was the fact that it wasn't cyberpunk or anything that is technologically common in fiction. Rather, it was sort of a plant-based world where almost everything is built with plants and plant-based products (including walls, lights, and such). I've never read any other book like that, and I always admire people who have cool new (or at least not often used) ideas.

Ana and Din were pretty much a futuristic world version of BBC Sherlock and Watson. I really loved how they were both portrayed as neurodivergent but never shown to be lesser and in fact, were better because of the skills that they developed in trying to get around their difficulties. I warmed up to Din immediately; Ana took a bit longer, but I did end up loving her, especially when she showed how worried she was about Din whenever he was in danger or trying to keep things from her. I definitely don't get a romantic vibe from them or anything, but I love mentor/friendship h/c just as much as romantic h/c lol. Din was my favorite though, he was so cute and hardworking and tried so hard.

Finally, I enjoyed the mystery a lot because conspiracies are always fun. I tried to guess at the whole situation and while there were a couple things I was able to figure out or at least approximate (I mean, "the rich people are corrupt" is pretty obvious from the beginning lol), I was ultimately surprised at the reveal at how everything worked out. I found it to be well plotted out and I'm looking forward to the next entry in this series!