A sapphic space opera with found family, a dead monster on the loose, and politics? Sign me up. When deadly creatures known as Tanglers escape, its up to each clan to send a representative to help capture the creature. Việt Nhi has a difficult time with people, politics, and being touched, yet she is being forced to work with a group of teammates from rival clans. Hạc Cúc f the Snake clan has always been better at poisoning and stabbing people rather than making plans, yet she can't help but be drawn in by Nhi. Nhi hates the touch of others yet she finds herself craving Hạc Cúc's touch. When the mission goes a bit askew since their imperial envoy and nominal leader is poisoned.... the team will have to find the invisible Tangler before it destroys everything and both Nhi and Hạc Cúc will have to find out if they can get past their misconceptions and embrace their feelings for each other. This was a fantastic little space opera filled with romance, loyalty, found family, and action. It really captures everything in such a short span of time and it was a fun read! I would absolutely recommend it for anyone looking for a fast paced adventure!

*Thanks Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group, Tordotcom for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

This is everything I want from an Aliette de Bodard book! The setting was fantastical and gripping, the characters and relationships were compelling and believable, and I really liked the autistic POV character.