Divinity 36

Tinkered Starsong #1

by Gail Carriger

The aliens are coming for us and they want our voices.

New York Times bestselling author Gail Carriger brings you a gloriously warm and unique scifi about the power of art, celebrity, and found family.

Phex is a barista on a forgotten moon. Which is fine – he likes being ignored and he’s good at making drinks. Until one day an alien hears him singing and recruits him to become a god. Now Phex is thrust headfirst into the galaxy’s most cutthroat entertainment industry, where music is visible, the price of fame can kill, and the only friends he has want to be worshiped.

Welcome to the divinity. Where there is no difference between celebrity and religion, love and belief, acolyte and alien. Where the right kind of obsession can drive a person crazy or turn them divine.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Young Adult, Aliens, Romance, LGBT

332 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2023

About the author

Gail Carriger writes comedies of manners mixed with paranormal romance (and the sexy San Andreas Shifter series as G L Carriger). Her books include the Parasol Protectorate and the Finishing School series. She is published in many languages and has over a dozen NYT bestsellers. She was once an archaeologist and is fond of shoes, octopuses, and tea. Join the Chirrup for sneak peaks of upcoming giggles: http://gailcarriger.com/chirrup

Reviews

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

5 stars

What I really want to say is .. don’t read any reviews. Don’t listen to anyone trying to tell you the plot of this book. Go into it open eyed, with neither expectations nor biases. Don’t try to peek behind the curtain, guess who’s going to end up with who, or how the story’s going to end. This isn’t that sort of book. In a sense, it’s a slice-of-life story about a young man given a chance to prove himself — to prove that, while he was given a body by the people who crafted him, his soul and his ability to create art are his own.

This is a slow book, lingering on with character moments, bonding moments, banter, and world building seen through the eyes of someone who has been so beaten down, he’s never before looked up from the ground. And now, he is able to see every color spread across the sky.

Read Elizabeth's review in its entirety here.

[Cinnamon bun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story!
The storyline and the world building is just so completely 'other'. The alien-ness felt so real somehow, and I was so completely engrossed in the story it's not even funny.

Before starting, I could have never imagined I'd be so pulled into a read that's basically the Sci-fi version of American Idol.
It's weird and compelling, and I'm bummed as heck that the second book isn't out yet.

Phex was the best MC. Genetically engineered to be "perfect", he is actually anything but. He's awkward and grumpy, doesn't know how to relate to people, and doesn't really care to learn either. A refugee who's never allowed himself to think big, always expecting the worst, gets a chance to grow and boy does he take it. Involuntarily at first but later with intent.

I simply can't recommend this book enough!
I read a lot. And I've read plenty of great books recently, but somehow - even though they may be awesome reads in the moment - they tend to blend together in my mind after a while. Not so Divinity 36. Because I've never read quite anything like it. I loved both The Fifth Gender and Crudrat, but this is now my new favourite Carriger Sci-fi, no competition.

All the stars!

*A complimentary e-copy of this book was kindly provided by the author and this is my voluntary and unbiased review*

[ivy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essentially, alien Boy’s Planet (Korean idol competition show) in space. So much more than that though.
Book one of a highly visual, cozy sci-fi trilogy.
Author plays with synthesia and music. Super cool. Looking forward to more relationship development and romance for Phex and a certain someone in book two. 😉 🤐 Phex is my new comfort person.

Imagine k-pop a religion and the Idols are gods.

Find the playlist on YouTube.

******Possible Spoilers******

My very own glossary:
god - idol
revival - concert
godsong - song but more than
cantor - singers but more than
Dyesi - alien species, “the nymphs of the stars”
skinsift- color changing skin to music
grace - dancers but more than
Sapien - citizen of Attacon 7 (human)
Pantheon - the group
belief - bias
Dorien - alien species
Shawalee - alien species
Jakaa Nova - alien species
sifter - color changing/projecting Dyesi in the group
Agatay - planet
Attacon - moon world
godfix - fanatical madness/obsession

Cast of characters:
Phex - main character
Gemma - sapien, god hopeful, cantor
Sharm - dorien, god hopeful, grace
Berril- shawalee, god hopeful, grace
Jinyesun- dyesi, god hopeful, sifter
Villi - sapien, god hopeful, cantor
Kagee - sapien, god hopeful, cantor
Kallow- sapien, god hopeful, cantor
Fandina - dyesi, god hopeful, sifter
Seryloh- dyesi, god hopeful, sifter
Monji - alien, god hopeful, grace
Tyve - jakaa nova, god hopeful, grace
Cassin- sapien, god hopeful, cantor

Tillam (the BTS of this world) members:
Missit - cantor
Fortew - cantor (sun)
Zil - grace
Tern - grace
Yorunlee - sifter
Melalan- sifter

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Divinity 36 is the first book of a new sci-fi series based on a music invasion and inspired by K-pop. Full disclosure, I know little to nothing about K-pop and was a little skeptical of a storyline based on it, especially since I’m not a huge sci-fi reader either. I was pleasantly surprised by this book. There is a pretty diverse group of characters personality-wise not just because aliens. As the story progresses, the characters fully develop into intriguing people who you are rooting for.

The plot is well paced. It was hard to slow my reading and I ended up reading this book twice through to define my thoughts. There is definite plot and intrigue, a bit of self-discovery, and a good deal of friendship making that I believe will turn into found family as the series progresses.

I started this book knowing it was the first of three, but it does not end on a jarring cliffhanger, which is lovely. There’s definitely more to the story and I can’t wait to read it, but I’m not overly frustrated by not having access immediately to find a somewhat satisfying stopping point while waiting. But I’m also so glad the next book will be out this year because I so do not want to wait any longer if at all possible!

Gail Carriger has done it again. This world is lovely and interesting, and her characters are deliciously imperfect but lovable.


I was gifted an advanced copy of this book.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tend to really adore this author's works, and thankfully this was no exception! Super fascinating sci-fi world-building, with celebrities functioning as actual deities, which was really well done. I loved the characters and all the relationships, and Phex is just the best. Cannot wait for the next book, and already hoping for more after that because this world and these characters are that good!

[Long Nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

This book, as someone put it, is a Kpop survival singing contest in space, and it’s an apt description. A fun concept, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired. The first third is quite boring and I more than once considered to drop it. I haven’t before now read any book that dedicates its first third wholly to world-building - the idol (or “God”) industry, how the contest is organized, who does what role, how to sing (or “cantor”) and perform,… all the exhaustive details without any plot advancement. I love world-building, I appreciate how the author builds her space Kpop version, but too much of anything is never too good.

Fortunately the book picked up after that. I started to get into the story, got my interest up and running, and by the time I finished the book, I knew I’d pick up the second volume in a very near future.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Galactic Idol. Extremely clever satire? Wonderfully entertaining read? Both? I suspect this is one that will read differently each time I revisit it.

[Charity Myhre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good I shorted myself sleep and preordered the next in series. Phex is a completely relatable character who is reluctant to become a God (think super mega pop star with rabid fans) because he’s just trying to muddle through life. The way the art/music form is described is religious synesthesia and it absolutely tracks with how my neurospicy brain tingles when the RIGHT song comes on.
The para-social relationships are explored thoughtfully and with great verve. The Dyesi are definitely the most interesting new species I have read about in a few years. And, as always, even the side character’s are well rounded full people.
Also, DEFINITELY get some ramen bowls while reading this cuz you’ll want noodles and you won’t want to put it down to cook.

[Karissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series Info/Source: This is the first book in the Tinkered Starsong series. I borrowed a copy of this on ebook from my library.

Thoughts: I absolutely loved this start to the Tinkered Starsong series. Previous to this I had read all of Carriger's other series and enjoyed them. This was very different from her previous series in that it is science fiction but the story still had that humorous, cozy voice to it that all of Carriger's books have. Dare I say this is cozy science fiction? Is that a thing?

The book follows Phex; a refugee working as a barista on a small moon. He is happy enough with his quiet existence and then an alien comes in and recruits him to become a god. At this point things get incredibly not quiet and very complicated.

I loved the world created here and the ideas behind the way pantheons and divinity work, it is not at all what you are thinking. Pantheons are groups of six that sing, dance, and make light shows together to provide galactic entertainment. It is a cutthroat industry just like you would imagine the entertainment industry would be, but is also strangely complex since the pantheons must work together seamlessly to be successful.

I also adored all the characters here. Even though Phex is the main protagonist, all of the side characters are just as fantastic as he is. They all have complex pasts, a lot of depth to their personalities, and their own dreams and concerns.

The unique world, intriguing story, and complex characters make for an amazing book that is impossible to put down and a joy to read. The story leaves you feeling happy, hopeful, and content. I am incredibly eager to read the second book in this trilogy. Really this book takes Carriger's writing to a whole new level. I have always enjoyed Carriger's writing but this book is special...it is incredibly well thought out, creative and polished; I loved it.

My Summary (5/5): Overall I absolutely loved this book and am eager to continue with the series. This is an amazing world, a fantastic story and wonderful characters. The concepts explored here are unique and intriguing. I really loved the humor and fun, as well as the thoughtfulness around friendship and family. I am very excited to read the next book in the series "Demigod 12".

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was... an odd book, but an interesting one. I was intrigued to see Carriger take on an entirely different genre, and I'm glad that she changed her prose style in the process - I don't think that her previous light humor would have worked very well here.

The story was simple, and almost secondary to the bulk of the book, which revolved around building relationships between characters; in that it reminded me a lot of the Wayfarers series. The world-building was interesting, but I would have appreciated a little more detail and explanation of the core concepts of the divinity - I feel a bit like, not being a fan of K-pop, I'm missing some crucial bits of information.

Ultimately, I'm looking forward to seeing where the story takes us, and the characters, from here.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this and need to get my hands on the next two books immediately. This is a series that fans of Becky Chambers' Wayfarers books should be reading.

[Superstine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gail Carriger but make it k-pop 🎶🌈🌟. Helt grei underholdning, leser sikkert resten av serien.

ETA: Nedjustert til 2,5, fordi jeg etter to uker husker nada? Tror faktisk ikke det var noe plott her, bare tenåringsangst og synging?

[Jocelynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Baby Tesla!!

I am admittedly a fan of all of Carriger's writing, but in a truly excellent catalogue of work, this may be her best yet. Full of nuance, poignancy, and incredible character development, this novel also features Carriger's signature wit and gift with dialogue. I am deeply moved by the found family aspects of the story as well as the deep understanding of what it means to become an artist, a performer, a public figure. A stunning beginning to the series!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love how this has all been crafted. The discerning k-pop fandom notes woven all through this add delicious layers to the world building and the progression of the story. If BTS was in outer space….. and inciting pseudo-religious fervor in the name of branding..... is it that far off real life? Layers upon layers in this book. One of my favorite activities while reading was to imagine different of my favorite singing group stars in the various character roles. The alien species are so fascinating, the idea of singing and dancing as being so captivating it can put the audience into an utterly transcendent state. The stage as dais, the audience as congregation, the performance as a divine experience, the performers as demigods or gods .... There is an interesting m/m romance possibly blooming which I am looking forward to finding out in the next book.

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 STARS - This book was odd and surprisingly frustrating. I wasn’t sure what to expect at first and the author left you wondering for a good chunk of the book. Some of the phrases that left me wondering in the beginning were “the Wheel,” “crudrat,” “running the blades,” etc. These phrases were all explained, but it took a while before we were given any answers.

At times I thought the writing was a little crude in style and could have used some finesse. Every once in a while a word would be left out. A good copy editor might have helped smooth these things out.

The concept of divinity and gods left me a little uncomfortable, especially toward the end of the book. I don’t intend on reading any of the other books in this series and I probably won’t recommend it to others.

Recommended Age: I don’t plan on recommending this book to others. It just wasn’t for me. I would definitely give a caveat of the topics listed below if I’m asked my thoughts on the book.

Topics to address before reading:

*Eating disorders (the main character throws up as a way to purge his worry/stress)
*Homosexuality - the author makes sure to focus on how the main character notices the attractiveness of other male characters
*Plural pronouns - i.e. they/them/it (alien societies, so some of this makes sense - there is an emphasis in the beginning on the candidates identifying themselves as they audition for becoming a god)
*Masturbation - covert reference toward the end of the book

Some people may regard my review as harsh, but I typically avoid books that contain these types of topics to the best of my ability. I know a lot of time and effort goes into writing a book, so I try not to be unnecessarily critical in my reviews. I’m honestly surprised at how highly this book is rated.

[Essi · Rating 3 out of 5]

took me a bit to get into it, but it picked up at around the fifty page mark (though don't expect action and mayhem, this is very much a character-centred story). i might have given it four stars, but the last ninety or so pages made it feel... i don't know, flat. for example:

a) i don't particularly enjoy missit. we meet him only a few times and yet he seems capricious, selfish, self-absorbed, and a whole host of other negative words. yes, he's hurting, but is he worth phex potentially risking his entire found family on (as kagee so rightly points out)? so the more we got of missit, the less i enjoyed the story.

b) the concept of divinity was an interesting bit of worldbuilding, but it felt kind of uncomfortable with phex obviously having some sort of feelings for missit yet clearly unable to see beneath the divinity. (see above, with phex rationalising his little tête-à-têtes with missit because missit needs it and who's he to deny a god?) might just be phex in need of some more character growth, but i hope this and its consequences are explored more in the sequels.

and this very much felt like just the first part of one whole book. i'm glad the sequels apparently focus on the dyesi and whatever the fuck they're planning, because i would have liked some more discussion on that in this one.

to end on a good note: loved the baby pantheon, their interactions, how they got to be a found family despite the odds, the softness. hopefully more of this in the sequels!

[Fallon Willoughby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Certain things will always reel me into a book: Good worldbuilding, fun dialogue, and something new. This book has all three, and more. We begin on a random moon, following Phex around as he does his job, and little else. Until one day, while singing along with the Gods on the dome above him at work, he becomes discovered, forced to audition, and offered the chance to become a God himself. Also, apparently it was inspired by K-Pop which the author loves, so that’s fun!

The world-building here is, in a word, divine. There are things that you may ponder over as you read, but you learn about the world more and more throughout the story. No info-dumping, no boring lectures on history. The beginning is just a little overwhelming but I don’t think there would be anyway to avoid it (not in a bad way, just a “oh my gosh there is so much to figure out/learn” way). We learn often as Phex does, or in backstory, about how the world’s work, what different races and species there are, and how exactly it works to become a God. It is so different from most other things that I have read, that I enjoyed soaking up every detail and plan to reread as well for things I probably missed!

Phex was genetically engineered to be perfect – physically, anyways. Even then, he has issues, he’s lonely, and he has no family. His life isn’t great when he’s gifted the strange chance to become a God. Those imperfections, and those social awkwardly moments he has, make him all the more loveable. Phex can also be quite the grouch, so if you love those kinds of characters, he’ll be a favorite! The other characters you either instantly fall in love with or slowly grow to love or hate. In the beginning there are quite a few introduced, so you might lose track for just a bit. There is also a slow burn romance (I think).

Of course, this book has a strong sense of Found Family. If that is one of your more favorite tropes, I cannot recommend this book enough. Phex was so alone in his old life, that as he meets people in this program, and begins to learn about others and find friends, it is truly heartwarming. By the end I loved all of them together and cannot wait to see what they do. In many ways, everyone who winds up in this group needed each other – which is what makes it so powerful. Add to that, they still have issues to work on at the end.

In such a world, of course nothing is guaranteed either. So, there is a fall from grace, there is discussion of who gets left behind, and we see the paths some take when they do not make the cut. Fandom is also a key part of this world, for people obsess over the Gods. Sometimes they take that obsession much too far (as in our own world). There is some discussion of religion, or music, of culture and traditions. And it is always done extremely well, and never in your face.

Perhaps one of the best pieces of the world building is how music is such an intrinsic part of the world. All species audition to become Gods – those who can manipulate music in various ways and broadcast that out into the world around them through special domes, and other means. I won’t spoil all the specifics for you, because you need to read it, and experience it, as you go. This though, this love for music, and songs, and emotions given through it, is so powerful in the book and in their world. I have loved music my entire life, and it’s helped me get through a lot. Gail Carriger found a way to make the power of music even more real, and I love it.

Content Warnings: Xenophobia discussed from past, disease, child abuse/abandonment/death in past memories, bullying, etc. I’m sure there are other things as always that I am not recognizing.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, Gail Carriger wrote a feelgood - soulfood - heartwarming - perfectly wonderful book that made me sob more than once (oftentimes happily) and left me with a cozy feeling, wanting more. The people in her story are all so very loveable, so special, so deep, so full of live and quirks and strength and flaws and their developing relationships are so relatable and so very endearing. I found myself huffing in amusement, laughing out loud and shedding tears with and for them.

The beginning was a bit overwhelming but necessary to show how the world and its creatures look like. I loved the nod to Crudrats. And I wish, oh I wish to be able to see one of those concerts in a big dome - I would be totally smitten. As I am of this new series!

[Ingelin · Rating 4 out of 5]

An alien walks up to a barista and wants to make him a god, through the interstellar music industry.

I thought this would be a silly plot, but it was really sweet. Loved it.

[Ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Gail!

I’m not much on sci-fi but this was brilliant. The characters are relatable even though we aren’t trying to become gods as they are. The world building is descriptive but not overly so. This book was such a pleasant surprise for me. The idol-esque competition was entertaining and thought inducing (ie: the consequences of moving forward) but also very k-pop in the dynamics of the groups. I can’t wait for the sequel and wish it was out already!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want more!

I adored this book and can’t wait for the next one to arrive! I laughed and cried and went through all the feels. Family will find you!

[DJ K]

DNF, I tried very hard but I suppose I just couldn't get into it.

[June L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gail does it again!

Gail Carriger has again written a book that makes you care about the character of Phex from the first moment you meet him. I’ll never think about baristas in the same way again! Can’t wait for the next book to find out more about these wonderful characters.

[Jayme · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tough thing to read after the Tainted Cup actually so that probably did a slight disservice here. Where the Tainted Cup was continuous action and mystery, this was a quiet, character driven reflection on celebrity and friendship. It was good and I’ll read the next one but I want to be in the right mindset for it next time.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

The world building was pretty confusing to start, not much in the way of explanations. I'm not a huge sci-fi fan, so that was a bit hard for me. Once the plot got moving forward it was a fun read and I'll read the next one.

[iam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely adored this.

It had a bit of a slow start, but once it turned fully into its "singing competition at alien boarding school" plot I was totally on board. I won't talk about what the book is about, because describe the plot makes it sound weird and random, but on page within the narrative it works super well. I love the way this alien music functions and introduces both mundane and alien aspects.

The real highlight of the book is its protagonist, Phex. With a traumatic childhood that turned him into a refugee with no real home, he is quiet and reserved, hardened but still kind, and I really really enjoyed reading from his perspective.

Some of the bullying subplots felt overdone, but I suppose they fit into the book, and I hope they won't return in the sequels.

I gotta admit, I was really miffed when I reached the ending, because it cut the book off in the middle of the story. I had not previously read into the marketing of the book so I hadn't realized it is a fully written story published as a trilogy (if I'm not mistaken.) Thankfully books 2 and 3 will still release this year, but I wish I had only started reading when all three are out. Having finished this now, I felt roughly yanked out of the story, and it will be awkward to get back in without re-reading, but re-reading a book so soon after having first read it is also awkward, you know?

Still, great book, I had a great time with it, I loved the aliens. The one thing I'm not sure I'm looking forward to in the sequels is the romance, but maybe it will convince me.

[Debby Riddick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book. Gail has a way with characters and world building that ranks right up there with Brandon Sanderson. Her characters have such depth and mature through the books she writes which is essential for me. This story is set in space which is certainly a departure from her other books. I am enthralled. Another favorite I will reread again and again. Hurry up August so the next book can come out.

The Divinity 36 series is one of my very favorite series of Gail’s. The dialogue and relationships are so real and it is great to see characters develop. Please give us more books in this universe

[Anita · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is the K-pop idol machine set on another planet in a spacefaring era of multiple sentient lifeforms that interact with one another on a variety of planets, stations, and moons. Substitute god for idol in any k-pop group origin story and you've got the plot of this book. They even have kimchi in the god-making culture, and formal and informal forms of address, like Korean. This book is not particularly original. I finished it, but there wasn't any emotional payoff to doing so.

[T. M. Kuta · Rating 4 out of 5]

DIVINITY 36 by GAIL CARRIGER -- Book #1 of the Tinkered Starsong Series
4.75/5
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my fair review.

Do you have what it takes to become a god?

This book is for fans of Becky Chambers, Legends and Lattes, and any other cozy SF/F story, Divinity 36 is a story of finding family and belonging when you feel alone—there just happens to be a space “boy”band competition as the chassis.

I fully believe the venn diagram of Hurt/Comfort Fanfic Fans and Cozy SF/F Fans is a circle—one that I am proud to be a part of. I love a good Hurt/Comfort fanfic, and I ADORED this book. am a big fan of cozy fantasy, and it is no secret that I greatly enjoy Gail Carriger’s books (partially because they are cozy). So when Carriger said she was writing a queer cozy sci-fi, my ass was sold.

And y’all, this book did not disappoint. The main plot is that the POV character, Phex, is a refugee from a xenophobic planet who is scouted by aliens to join their musical industrial religion complex, all because they hear him singing in a café. He says yes, because he has nothing else to lose, and then has to get through God training and build a pantheon, i.e. a group of six singers, dancers, and musical colorshifting projectionists to make “Godsong” and gain “worshipers” across the galaxy who then send the pantheons offerings, see their favorite pantheons on tour, etc. I was sold on this plot immediately—I thought it was super cool, especially when right off the bat there’s discussion of what is essentially space Beatlemania and the creepy or downright dangerous lengths fans will go in their fandom. I am a child of fandom, and was on tumblr during the SuperWhoLock-Stuck madness, so this plot immediately hooked me. There was also a plotline about the fall from celebrity, and what happens to those left behind.

The worldbuilding is phenomenal, like all Carriger books. She drops you straight in like you belong and you figure it out as you go. Some don’t like this approach, myself included, but things are explained well enough that I didn’t mind. There was excitement, there was drama, there was the start of romance, and a really fascinating take on what the music industry and religion would look like in space. Also found family abounds—it’s a Carriger book, so obviously found family is going to be strong, but this book is basically building your own found family in order to ascend to Godhood. Also tons of queer and nonbinary character, which is obviously a delight.

Every kid who sat alone on the playground, every kid who was buillied and ostracized, every socially anxious kid who didn’t like interacting with others, every queer or trans kid, and every child who didn’t understand social cues and later grew up to discover they were nuerodivergent--they will all feel seen in the nuerodiverse queer space chilis that is this book. Were you a Greek mythology kid or kid who was into polytheism? Are you STILL any of these things? You will probably also enjoy this book (I know I did). I often feel seen in the queer space chilis while reading Carriger’s books, but Phex’s experiences hit every single one of mine and I ended up crying. I rarely cry while reading books, so I was a bit shook.

Those are the good sides. For the bad sides, there were a ton of characters in the beginning, and I lost track of who was who, especially the ones who came in only two or three times. I would have liked to see more aliens or humanoids with dark skintones— there is one in what becomes Phex’s pantheon and her brother (who is in a different pantheon) , but I want to see more. There’s been a lot of discussion in fandom space recently about techno-orientalism in sci-fi. There are definitely a lot of borrowing/throwing back to modern Asian culture in this book, usually around food, but also the ruling aliens’ preference for the number 3 (although a lot of religions and cultures have significance around that number, so I’m willing to give that one the benefit of the doubt) and Carriger’s references to Kpop as inspiration/comparison while promoting the book. I’m not super thrilled, but otherwise most of the world seems (as far as I can tell after a single read) relatively techno-orientalism free. If you read this book and you think I missed something blatant, please let me know! The religious aspect of the books are not entirely clear yet, besides people in general “believing” in a pantheon or certain God, and people giving offerings to certain demi-Gods or Gods they like. I am interested to see if, in the second and third book, it becomes any clearer on if there is any clarification on how polytheism works in this book and what, if any, polytheistic cultures it pulls from.

Overall, I greatly enjoyed this book. Pacing was good, characters all had strong voices, and there were a bunch of my favorite tropes thrown in there for good measure. I also love a grouch, which this book has in spades. When I finished this book, it wasn’t even an hour before I wanted to read it again. It felt warm and inviting, and I wanted to slip back into this world where people like me find senses of purpose, being, and belonging. I am very excited for the second book—which also drops in 2023, as does the third (we are spoiled!). I hope Book 2 and 3 are just as good as the first.

[zjakkelien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I liked this even better than Crudrat. It's lovely. The world is original and interesting, but what I loved most were the characters and their camaraderie.
Of course, there are some interesting parallels with our world as well, taking parasocial relationships to an extreme. But I liked best how close the group became and how they were taking care of one another.