I was uncertain of this book when I saw that it was a Pinnochio retelling as I've never been a fan of that story, but was pleasantly surprised by this story. I loved the agency that these characters (particularly the female characters) had throughout the story and also enjoyed the moral dilemmas that the characters were facing. The pacing was solid. The "magic system" in this world is pretty light and not well developed but the character work and plot made for an enjoyable read. I also thought that the writing was light and flowy and captured my attention throughout without being overly flowery and descriptive.

"But I stand with Bran, breathing long and deep, as many breaths as I dare, feeling my fears wash over me, one by one, like wet strokes of paint."

This book is lovely, lyrical and mesmerizing. I always love a good fractured fairytale and this twist on Pinocchio did not disappoint. The story is filled with authentic characters, complex relationships, and a fight between good and evil. Themes of identity, loyalty, honesty, the price of choices, and family.