From the publisher, “Where Nirrim lives, crime abounds, a harsh tribunal rules, and society’s pleasures are reserved for the High Kith. Life in the Ward is grim and punishing. People of her low status are forbidden from sampling sweets or wearing colors. You either follow the rules, or pay a tithe and suffer the consequences.
Nirrim keeps her head down, and a dangerous secret close to her chest.  But then she encounters Sid, a rakish traveler from far away, who whispers rumors that the High Kith possesses magic. Sid tempts Nirrim to seek that magic for herself. But to do that, Nirrim must surrender her old life. She must place her trust in this sly stranger who asks, above all, not to be trusted.”

I always look forward to reading this author’s works and was so eager to jump into this story.  The premise is great, the mystery of the city’s history, the caste system, and the characters.  The writing is descriptive with plenty of dramatic action in the beginning but I came away with the feeling the story was more about the sexuality of the two main characters, Nirrim and Sid.  There could have been so much more devoted to the city’s history and the hidden magic.

eGalley review                                                 Publication date 3.3.2020